Continuous and controlled irrigation system

ABSTRACT

An irrigation system for providing a continuous and controlled flow of a fluid, wherein said irrigation system may include a reservoir system comprising a plurality of containers of fluid; and a fluid transfer system in fluid connection with said reservoir system, said fluid transfer system comprising at least one fluid transfer head.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/637,416, filing date Oct. 19, 2016 which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/008,684 filing date Jan. 28, 2014 whichis a National Phase of PCT/IL2012/000138, international filing date Mar.29, 2012, which in turn claims priority from U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 61/469,112 filing date Mar. 30, 2011, all of which areincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to means for providing irrigation for surgicalprocedures in which the fluid is provided with a constant flow. Inparticular, it relates to such means in which the fluid is provided froma plurality of independent containers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

An irrigation system is a system that delivers fluids for apredetermined amount of time and to a predetermined body part/patient inneed. The present invention provides a constant flow of fluid. Such anirrigation system is useful in practically every procedure currentlyknown. Irrigation system are used on patients in the OR (operatingrooms), in ER (emergency rooms), in intensive care, in recovery roomspost surgery, and on patients who are admitted in hospital or clinics.

Irrigation is needed in different types medical procedures andoperations and while using different types of fluids.

Many kinds of irrigation fluid are used, including, among others, blood,glycine, water, plasma, saline, plasma, drugs.

For example, procedures may require irrigation of oxygen; anesthetic gasfor use as local anesthesia, regional anesthesia and general anesthesiaselected from ethers, halogenated ethers, desflurane(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-fluoroethyl-difluoromethyl ether, sevoflurane(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-[trifluoromethyl]ethyl fluoromethyl ether), andisoflurane (2-chloro-2-(difluoromethoxy)-1,1,1-trifluoro-ethane); blood;saline; glycine; water; plasma; medicament and any combination thereof.

The following give a few examples of procedures in which glycine,saline, medicaments, or any combinations thereof are required as theirrigation fluid.

Many medical procedures such as TURP (transurethral prostaticresection), PCNL, uteroscopy, hysteroscopy etc, require a constant flowof fluid such as saline or glycine in order to wash away blood andresected tissue and to maintain the temperature of the tissue and of thesurgical instrument.

In, for example, TURP surgery (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate),the surgeon inserts a Resectoscope into the urethra. The Resectoscopeallows the surgeon to see the enlarged prostate gland and to remove asmall piece of the prostate gland tissue using the resectoscope'selectrical cutting loop.

TURP is a non-invasive surgery that requires a continuous flow ofsolution (e.g., glycine) to the prostate and bladder and out through theResectoscope.

The Continuous Irrigation enables the surgeon to:

-   1. Increase the volume of the prostate & bladder (building a    surgical site);-   2. Clean blood flow from the prostate; and,-   3. Clean resected tissue from the prostate-   4. Cool the prostate, removing the heat caused by the electrical    cutting loop.

Any discontinuation of the supply of solution immediately results in adrop in the fluid pressure and thus, a “collapse” of the prostate andbladder, accumulation of blood that eventually blocks the surgical view(surgical site), and the accumulation of blood clots, which can stop thesurgery and all of which increase the patient's risks.

Thus, it would be advantageous to provide a continuous flow of solution.

The irrigation fluid is generally provided from one or more containers(e.g. solution bags) positioned above the level of the operating table.Fluid flows from the containers through a tube (e.g. disposable Y typeset) under gravity to the patient. Each container supplies flow forapproximately 10 minutes, then it needs to be manually replaced. Thesemanual procedures suffer from problems such as a high dependence on themedical personal who must notice that the container needs replacing andwho must replace the solution bag on time, the limitation of the flowrate, and a lack of means of informing the operators that the solutionhas run out or is about to run out

A fully automated system, in which a new container is opened as an oldone empties in a fully automated manner without the need of humanintervention and in which a notification can be provided to the operatorwhen the solution has run out or if there is a system failure, thusremains a long-felt need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention disclosed herein is designed to meet this long-felt need.The system and method provide a means by which fluid is provided from aplurality of containers such that as each container empties to a certainlevel (e.g. to half its initial content), flow is automatically startedfrom a different container, thus maintaining a constant flow through thesystem.

The present invention provides a unique robotic solution, based on usingthe solution bags (containers) currently used, with anelectro-mechanical system that replaces the manual procedure (namely,switching between containers) with an automatic one.

The system consists of several sub mechanisms; e.g., a mechanism thatspikes the bag/container with a disposable or reusable set (tube), amechanism that builds pressure that creates the flow, a mechanism thatidentifies the quantity of fluid available in the bag/container and whenit is about to be empty, and a mechanism that switches to a newbag/container automatically, spikes it and builds pressure according tothe surgeon's needs, thus enabling Continuous Irrigation.

It is one object of the present invention to provide an irrigationsystem for providing a continuous and controlled flow of a fluid,wherein said system comprises:

-   a reservoir system comprising a plurality of containers of fluid;    said reservoir system characterized by a predetermined    configuration;-   a fluid transfer system in fluid connection with said reservoir    system, said fluid transfer system comprising:-   at least one fluid transfer head, adapted to transfer fluid from one    of said plurality of containers to an external tubing system;    wherein each of said fluid transfer heads is characterized by a    mechanism adapted to linearly move each of said fluid transfer heads    along said predetermined configuration from one of said containers    to another.

It is one object of the present invention to provide an irrigationsystem for providing a continuous and controlled flow of a fluid,wherein said system comprises:

-   a reservoir system comprising a plurality of containers of fluid;    said reservoir system characterized by a main longitudinal axis;-   a fluid transfer system in fluid connection with said reservoir    system, said fluid transfer system comprising:-   at least one fluid transfer head, adapted to transfer fluid from one    of said plurality of containers to an external tubing system;    wherein each of said fluid transfer heads is characterized by a    mechanism adapted to linearly move each of said fluid transfer heads    along said main longitudinal axis.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an irrigationsystem for providing a continuous and controlled rate flow of a fluid,wherein said system comprises: a reservoir system comprising a pluralityof containers of fluid; said containers in said reservoir systemdisposed in a predetermined configuration;

-   a fluid transfer system in fluid connection with said reservoir    system, said fluid transfer system comprising:-   at least one fluid transfer head, adapted to transfer fluid from one    of said plurality of containers to an external tubing system;    wherein each of said fluid transfer heads is characterized by a    mechanism adapted to radially move each of said fluid transfer    heads.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said predetermined configuration isselected from a group consisting of a linear configuration, a radialconfiguration, an ellipsoidal configuration, a square configuration, atriangular configuration, a hexagonal configuration, a pentagonalconfiguration, a configuration of any 2D or 3D shape and any combinationthereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said fluid transfer system furthercomprising fluid regulating means, adapted to regulate either the rateof transfer of fluid from said reservoir system to each of said fluidtransfer heads or the pressure at which said fluid is transferred fromsaid reservoir system to each of said fluid transfer heads.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said system further comprising acontrol system adapted to control at least one selected from a groupconsisting of (a) the rate of flow of fluid through said irrigationsystem according to a predetermined protocol; (b) the movement of saidat least one fluid transfer head; (c) the activation of said at leastone fluid transfer head; and any combination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said system further comprising apressure building system selected from pumping means adapted to withdrawsaid fluid from at least one of said containers; or pressure applyingmeans adapted to apply pressure on at least one of said containers.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said system further comprising apumping system in fluid connection with said fluid transfer system,adapted to withdraw said fluid from at least one of said containers offluid at a predetermined rate of flow to an outer tubing system.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said system further comprising pressureapplying means adapted to apply pressure on at least one of saidcontainers of fluid so as to enable a predetermined rate of flow from atleast one of said containers to an outer tubing system.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said pressure applying means isselected from a group consisting of a membrane encapsulating at leastone of said containers of fluid, squeezing means adapted to applysqueezing pressure on at least one of said containers and anycombination thereof and any combination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said squeezing means are selected frompneumatic compression of at least one of the containers, hydrostaticcompression of at least one of the containers and any combinationthereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said fluid is selected from a groupconsisting of gas, liquid and any combination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said fluid is selected from oxygen;anesthetic gas for use as local anesthesia, regional anesthesia andgeneral anesthesia selected from ethers, halogenated ethers, desflurane(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-fluoroethyl-difluoromethyl ether, sevoflurane(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-[trifluoromethyl]ethyl fluoromethyl ether), andisoflurane (2-chloro-2-(difluoromethoxy)-1,1,1-trifluoro-ethane); blood;saline; glycine; water; plasma; medicament and any combination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said system is adapted to deliverseveral substantially different fluids.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said substantially different fluids areprovided to said patient in substantially the same amounts, in differentamounts, at substantially the same rates, at different rates, and anycombination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said fluid transfer system comprises atleast at least two fluid transfer heads.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said at least one fluid transfer headcomprises at least one internal reservoir for accommodating said fluidand for delivering said fluid while said fluid transfer head linearlymoves along said main longitudinal axis.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said at least one fluid transfer headcomprises at least one internal reservoir for accommodating said fluidand for delivering said fluid while said fluid transfer head radiallymoves around said main longitudinal axis.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said reservoir system comprises:

-   a plurality of N support shelves adapted to support each of said    containers of said fluid; support means adapted to support said    shelves and to maintain a predetermined distance and orientation    between pairs of shelves; and,-   a plurality of at least N slots in said shelf support means, said    slots positioned such that at least one slot is located proximate to    each of said N shelves.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said support is selected from a groupconsisting of shelf, drawer, receptacle, sliding receptacle and anycombination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said containers are bags made of aflexible material.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said containers are made of a rigidmaterial.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said rigid material is glass, plastic,ceramic, metal, and any combination thereof

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said reservoir system furthercomprising monitoring means adapted to constantly monitor at least oneof the group consisting of the amount of fluid extracted from saidreservoir system, the amount of fluid remained in said reservoir systemand any combination thereof and reporting means adapted to report thevalue of said at least one determination.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said reservoir system further comprisesweight measuring and reporting means adapted to determine the weight ofeach of said containers and to report the value of said determination.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said reservoir system further comprisesvolume measuring and reporting means adapted to determine the volume ofeach of said containers and to report the value of said determination.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said reservoir system further comprisesat least one image sensor adapted to provide real time images of each ofsaid containers.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said image sensor is selected from agroup consisting of a camera, a video and any combination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said reservoir system further comprisesat least one processing unit in communication with said at least oneimage sensor, adapted for real time image processing of said images suchthat either the volume or the weight of each of said containers isprovided.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said reporting means is incommunication with said control means.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, further comprising support rotation meansadapted to allow rotation of each of said supports about an axisparallel to its longitudinal axis, said support rotation means furtheradapted to allow each of said supports to be fixed at an angle chosen bythe operator of said irrigation system; said angle is adapted to befixed prior to said irrigation, during said irrigation and anycombination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said angle is in a range of about 0degrees to about 90 degrees.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein each of said containers comprises aneck and a nipple, and further wherein said irrigation system furthercomprises at least one connector between said container and said fluidtransfer head, wherein said connector is reversibly coupled to saidirrigation system and comprises:

-   a lower section comprising two arcs, the first of which is of a    diameter and depth adapted to support said neck, and the second of    which is of a diameter and depth adapted to support said nipple, the    distance between the centers of said arcs substantially equal to the    distance between the centers of said neck and said nipple; and,-   an upper section hingedly connected to said lower section, said    upper section comprising two arcs of diameters substantially    identical to those of the corresponding arcs of said lower section,    said two arcs disposed such that closure of said hinged connection    forms at least one circular hollow passageway passing through said    connector.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said system additionally comprisingmeans adapted to fix said containers in place, to verify said containersare in place and any combination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said fluid transfer system furthercomprises fluid transfer head support means adapted to support saidfluid transfer heads; said fluid transfer head support means adapted toallow vertical motion, radial motion and any combination thereof of atleast one of said fluid transfer heads.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein each of said fluid transfer headscomprises

-   a spike;-   flexible tubing in fluid contact with said spike;-   ejecting and retracting means for ejecting at least one of said    spike and said fluid transfer head a predetermined minimum distance    along the horizontal axis from a resting position to an ejected    position and for retracting said at least one of said spike and said    fluid transfer head from said ejected position to said resting    position;-   height fixing means adapted to fix the vertical position of said    fluid transfer head.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said flexible tubing further comprisesat least one internal reservoir for accommodating said fluid and fordelivering said fluid while said fluid transfer head linearly movesalong said main longitudinal axis.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said flexible tubing further comprisesat least one internal reservoir for accommodating said fluid and fordelivering said fluid while said fluid transfer head radially movesaround said main longitudinal axis.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said system additionally comprisingheight fixing means adapted to fix the vertical position of said fluidtransfer head or heads along said main longitudinal axis of saidreservoir system.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein at least one of said fluid transferheads further comprises an actuator in mechanical contact with saidfluid transfer head support means and in electronic connection with saidcontrol means, said actuator adapted to engage with said fluid transferhead support means, whereby actuation of said actuator by a command fromsaid control means causes vertical motion of said fluid transfer headalong the vertical axis of said fluid transfer support means through adistance determined by said control means.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said actuator comprises at least oneselected from a group consisting of stepper motor, voice commandactuator, motion detector and any combination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said fluid regulating means comprises:

-   pressure applying means mounted proximate to said flexible tubing in    fluid contact with said spike; and,-   extending and retracting means in mechanical contact with said    pressure applying means, said extending and retracting means adapted    to reversibly extend said pressure applying means.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said fluid regulating means is adaptedto activate or de-activate fluid flow in said irrigation system.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said extending and retracting meanscomprise a retractable spring.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said extending and retracting means areactuated by a means chosen from the group consisting of manual means,mechanical means, electrical means, pneumatic means, electromechanicalmeans, electropneumatic means and any combination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said fluid regulating means comprisesat least one selected from a group consisting of a pinch valve, awheel-like shaped element adapted to apply pressure, and any combinationthereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said pumping system comprises aperistaltic pump.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said pumping system comprises a singleinlet, and further wherein at least two of said containers are in fluidconnection with said single inlet.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein two of said containers are in fluidconnection with a “Y” joint located downstream of said fluid transferheads.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said control system comprises acomputer in communication with at least one of said reservoir system,said fluid transfer system, and said pumping system, and further whereinsaid control system is adapted to direct the flow of fluid through saidsystem.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said system further comprising:

-   at least one additional container in fluid connection with said    pumping means;-   means for opening and closing said fluid connection; and,-   a rack adapted to hang said additional containers.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said system further comprising anemergency shutoff switch adapted to halt flow of fluid through saidirrigation system.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said control system is adapted toprevent over pressure of said fluid in said irrigation system.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said over pressure is prevented bymeans of at least one pressure sensor located in said pumping system.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said over pressure is prevented bymeans of at least one pressure sensor in communication with said outertubing system.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said over pressure is prevented bymeans of at least one pressure sensor located within said outer tubingsystem.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said over pressure is prevented bymeans of at least one pressure sensor surrounding at least a portion ofsaid outer tubing system.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said over pressure is prevented bymeans of limiting the pumping system to predetermined values.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said system further comprises removingmeans for removing a protective cover or cap from said container.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said system additionally comprising atleast one holder, said at least one holder enabled to contain caps andcovers removed from none or more of a group consisting of fluidcontainers, spikes, and fluid transfer heads during operation of saidsystem.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said removing means comprise cuttingmeans and actuating means adapted to actuate said cutting means.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said removing means comprise pressureapplying means, adapted to apply pressure on said cover or cap by atleast one of a group consisting of pulling, pushing, and twisting saidcover or cap.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, additionally comprising at least one holder,said at least one holder enabled to contain caps and covers removed fromnone or more of a group consisting of fluid containers, spikes, andfluid transfer heads during operation of said system.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said fluid transfer head additionallycomprises a connector, said connector configured such that said spikecan not be coupled to said fluid transfer head before removal ofprotective covers from said spike.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said system is enabled to providecontinuous and controlled flow of a fluid to a plurality of patients.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said system is enabled to providecontinuous and controlled flow of a plurality of fluids to a pluralityof patients.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a method forproviding a substantially continuous and controlled flow of a fluid froma reservoir that comprises plurality of N containers, each of said Ncontainers at a predetermined height and location, wherein said methodcomprises:

-   a. obtaining fluid extracting means;-   b. obtaining at least two fluid transfer heads, each of said fluid    transfer heads comprising:-   a spike;-   flexible tubing in fluid contact with said spike;-   ejecting and retracting means for ejecting at least one of said    spike and said fluid transfer head a predetermined minimum distance    from a resting position to an ejected position and for retracting    said at least one of said spike and said fluid transfer head from    said ejected position to said resting position; a fluid exit in    fluid contact with said flexible tubing; and,-   height fixing means adapted to fix the vertical position of said    fluid transfer head; c. placing a first fluid transfer head    proximate to a first container from which pumping has not yet    commenced;-   d. placing a second fluid transfer head proximate to a second    container from which pumping has not yet commenced;-   e. connecting the fluid exits of said fluid transfer heads to a    single outlet, and to said pumping means;-   f. fixing the height of said second fluid transfer head to the    height of said second container from which pumping has not yet    commenced, such that upon ejection of the spike, the wall of said    second container will be pierced;-   g. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from    said first fluid transfer head;-   h. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from    said second fluid transfer head;-   i. removing protective cover of said first container;-   j. ejecting said spike of said first fluid transfer head, thereby    creating a fluid connection between the interior of said first    container and said single outlet;-   k. removing protective cover of said second container;-   l. ejecting said spike of said second fluid transfer head, thereby    creating a fluid connection between the interior of said second    container and said single outlet; m. using said fluid regulating    means to permit flow of fluid from said first fluid transfer head;-   n. actuating said pumping means;-   o. extracting said fluid from said first container until the fluid    level in said first container is reduced to a predetermined    quantity;-   p. using said fluid regulating means to permit flow of fluid from    said second fluid transfer head;-   q. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from    said first fluid transfer head;-   r. extracting said fluid from said second container until the fluid    level in said second container is reduced to a predetermined    quantity;-   s. using said fluid regulating means to permit flow of fluid from    said first fluid transfer head;-   t. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from    said second fluid transfer head;-   u. retracting said spike into said second fluid transfer head;-   v. placing said second fluid transfer head proximate to another    container from which pumping has not yet commenced;-   w. fixing the height of said second fluid transfer head to the    height of said another container, such that upon ejection of the    spike, the wall of said another container will be pierced;-   x. removing protective cover of said another container;-   y. ejecting said spike of said second fluid transfer head, thereby    creating a fluid connection between the interior of said another    container and said single outlet; z. using said fluid regulating    means to permit flow of fluid from said second fluid transfer head;-   za. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from    said first fluid transfer head;-   zb. extracting said fluid from said another container until the    fluid level in said another container is reduced to a predetermined    quantity;-   repeating sequentially, for each of the remaining containers, said    steps of s-zb.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a method forproviding a substantially continuous and controlled flow of a fluid froma reservoir that comprises plurality of N containers, each of said Ncontainers at a predetermined height and location, wherein said methodcomprises:

-   a. obtaining fluid extracting means;-   b. obtaining at least two fluid transfer heads, each of said fluid    transfer heads comprising:-   a spike;-   flexible tubing in fluid contact with said spike;-   ejecting and retracting means for ejecting at least one of said    spike and said fluid transfer head a predetermined minimum distance    from a resting position to an ejected position and for retracting    said at least one of said spike and said fluid transfer head from    said ejected position to said resting position; a fluid exit in    fluid contact with said flexible tubing; and,-   height fixing means adapted to fix the vertical positions of said    fluid transfer heads;-   c. placing a first fluid transfer head proximate to a first    container from which pumping has not yet commenced;-   d. placing a second fluid transfer head proximate to a second    container from which pumping has not yet commenced;-   e. connecting the fluid exits of said fluid transfer heads to a    single outlet;-   f. fixing the height of said second fluid transfer head to the    height of said second container, such that upon ejection of the    spike, the wall of said second container will be pierced;-   g. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from    said first fluid transfer head;-   h. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from    said second fluid transfer head;-   i. removing protective cover of said first container;-   j. ejecting said spike of said first fluid transfer head, thereby    creating a fluid connection between the interior of said first    container and said single outlet;-   k. removing protective cover of the second container;-   l. ejecting said spike of said second fluid transfer head, thereby    creating a fluid connection between the interior of said second    container and said single outlet; m. applying pressure on said first    container so as to extract fluid from the same;-   n. using said fluid regulating means to permit flow of fluid from    said first fluid transfer head;-   o. extracting said fluid from said first container until the fluid    level in said first container is reduced to a predetermined    quantity;-   p. applying pressure on said second container so as to extract fluid    from the same;-   q. using said fluid regulating means to permit flow of fluid from    said second fluid transfer head;-   r. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from    said first fluid transfer head;-   s. discontinuing applying pressure on said first container;-   t. extracting said fluid from said second container until the fluid    level in said second container is reduced to a predetermined    quantity;-   u. applying pressure on said first container so as to extract fluid    from the same;-   v. using said fluid regulating means to permit flow of fluid from    said first fluid transfer head;-   w. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from    said second fluid transfer head;-   x. discontinuing applying pressure on said second container;-   y. retracting said spike into said second fluid transfer head;-   z. placing said second fluid transfer head proximate to another    container from which pumping has not yet commenced;-   za. fixing the height of said second fluid transfer head to the    height of said another container, such that upon ejection of the    spike, the wall of said another container will be pierced;-   zb. removing protective cover of said another container;-   zc. ejecting said spike of said second fluid transfer head, thereby    creating a fluid connection between the interior of said another    container and said single outlet; zd. applying pressure on said    another container so as to extract fluid from the same; ze. using    said fluid regulating means to permit flow of fluid from said second    fluid transfer head;-   zf. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from    said first fluid transfer head;-   zg. discontinuing applying pressure on said first container;-   zh. extracting said fluid from said another container until the    fluid level in said another container is reduced to a predetermined    quantity;-   repeating sequentially, for each of the remaining containers, said    steps of u-zh.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a method forproviding a substantially continuous and controlled flow of a fluid froma reservoir that comprises plurality of N containers, each of said JVcontainers at a predetermined height and location, wherein said methodcomprises:

-   a. obtaining fluid extracting means;-   b. obtaining at least two fluid transfer heads, each of said fluid    transfer heads comprising:-   a spike;-   flexible tubing in fluid contact with said spike;-   ejecting and retracting means for ejecting at least one of said    spike and said fluid transfer head a predetermined minimum distance    from a resting position to an ejected position and for retracting    said at least one of said spike and said fluid transfer head from    said ejected position to said resting position;-   a fluid exit in fluid contact with said flexible tubing; and,-   height fixing means adapted to fix the vertical position of said    fluid transfer head; c. placing a first fluid transfer head    proximate to a first container from which pumping has not yet    commenced;-   d. placing a second fluid transfer head proximate to a second    container from which pumping has not yet commenced;-   e. connecting the fluid exits of said fluid transfer heads to a    single outlet, and to said pumping means;-   f. fixing the height of said first fluid transfer head to the height    of said first container, such that upon ejection of the spike, the    wall of said first container will be pierced; g. fixing the height    of said second fluid transfer head to the height of said second    container, such that upon ejection of the spike, the wall of said    second container will be pierced;-   h. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from    said first fluid transfer head;-   i. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from    said second fluid transfer head;-   j. removing protective cover of said first container;-   k. ejecting said spike of said first fluid transfer head, thereby    creating a fluid connection between the interior of said first    container and said single outlet;-   l. removing protective cover of the second container;-   m. ejecting said spike of said second fluid transfer head, thereby    creating a fluid connection between the interior of said second    container and said single outlet; n. using said fluid regulating    means to permit flow of fluid from said first fluid transfer head;-   o. actuating said pumping means;-   p. extracting said fluid from said first container until the fluid    level in said first container is reduced to a predetermined    quantity;-   q. using said fluid regulating means to permit flow of fluid from    said second fluid transfer head;-   r. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from    said first fluid transfer head;-   s. extracting said fluid from said second container until the fluid    level in said second container is reduced to a predetermined    quantity;-   t. retracting said spike into said first fluid transfer head;-   u. placing said first fluid transfer head proximate to another    available container;-   v. fixing the height of said first fluid transfer head to the height    of said said another container, such that upon ejection of the    spike, the wall of said another container will be pierced;-   w. removing protective cover of said another container;-   x. ejecting said spike of said first fluid transfer head, thereby    creating a fluid connection between the interior of said another    container and said single outlet;-   y. using said fluid regulating means to permit flow of fluid from    said first fluid transfer head;-   z. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from    said second fluid transfer head;-   za. extracting said fluid from said another container until the    fluid level in said another container is reduced to a predetermined    quantity-   zb. retracting said spike into said second fluid transfer head;-   zc. placing said second fluid transfer head proximate to another    available container; zd. fixing the height of said second fluid    transfer head to the height of said said another container, such    that upon ejection of the spike, the wall of said another container    will be pierced;-   ze. removing protective cover of said another container;-   zf. ejecting said spike of said second fluid transfer head, thereby    creating a fluid connection between the interior of said another    container and said single outlet; zg. using said fluid regulating    means to permit flow of fluid from said second fluid transfer head;-   zh. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from    said first fluid transfer head;-   zi. extracting said fluid from said another container until the    fluid level in said another container is reduced to a predetermined    quantity-   repeating sequentially, for each of the remaining available    containers and respective fluid transfer head, said steps of t-zi.

It is another object of the present invention to a method for providinga substantially continuous and controlled flow of a fluid from areservoir that comprises plurality of N containers, each of said Ncontainers at a predetermined height and location, wherein said methodcomprises:

-   a. obtaining fluid extracting means;-   b. obtaining at least two fluid transfer heads, each of said fluid    transfer heads comprising:-   a spike;-   flexible tubing in fluid contact with said spike;-   ejecting and retracting means for ejecting at least one of said    spike and said fluid transfer head a predetermined minimum distance    from a resting position to an ejected position and for retracting    said at least one of said spike and said fluid transfer head from    said ejected position to said resting position;-   a fluid exit in fluid contact with said flexible tubing; and,-   height fixing means adapted to fix the vertical position of said    fluid transfer head; c. placing a first fluid transfer head    proximate to a first container from which pumping has not yet    commenced;-   d. placing a second fluid transfer head proximate to a second    container from which pumping has not yet commenced;-   e. connecting the fluid exits of said fluid transfer heads to a    single outlet;-   f. fixing the height of said first fluid transfer head to the height    of said first container, such that upon ejection of the spike, the    wall of said first container will be pierced; g. fixing the height    of said second fluid transfer head to the height of said second    container, such that upon ejection of the spike, the wall of said    second container will be pierced;-   h. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from    said first fluid transfer head;-   i. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from    said second fluid transfer head;-   j. removing protective cover of said first container;-   k. ejecting said spike of said first fluid transfer head, thereby    creating a fluid connection between the interior of said first    container and said single outlet;-   l. removing protective cover of the second container;-   m. ejecting said spike of said second fluid transfer head, thereby    creating a fluid connection between the interior of said second    container and said single outlet; n. applying pressure on said first    container so as to extract fluid from the same;-   o. using said fluid regulating means to permit flow of fluid from    said first fluid transfer head;-   p. extracting said fluid from said first container until the fluid    level in said first container is reduced to a predetermined    quantity;-   q. applying pressure on said second container so as to extract fluid    from the same; r. using said fluid regulating means to permit flow    of fluid from said second fluid transfer head;-   s. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from    said first fluid transfer head;-   t. discontinuing applying pressure on said first container;-   u. extracting said fluid from said second container until the fluid    level in said second container is reduced to a predetermined    quantity;-   v. retracting said spike into said first fluid transfer head;-   w. placing said first fluid transfer head proximate to another    available container;-   x. fixing the height of said first fluid transfer head to the height    of said another container, such that upon ejection of the spike, the    wall of said another container will be pierced;-   y. removing protective cover of said another container;-   z. ejecting said spike of said first fluid transfer head, thereby    creating a fluid connection between the interior of said another    container and said single outlet;-   za. applying pressure on said another container so as to extract    fluid from the same; zb. using said fluid regulating means to permit    flow of fluid from said first fluid transfer head;-   zc. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from    said second fluid transfer head;-   zd. discontinuing applying pressure on said second container;-   ze. extracting said fluid from said another container until the    fluid level in said another container is reduced to a predetermined    quantity;-   zf. retracting said spike into said second fluid transfer head;-   zg. placing said second fluid transfer head proximate to yet another    container from which pumping has not yet commenced;-   zh. fixing the height of said second fluid transfer head to the    height of said yet another container, such that upon ejection of the    spike, the wall of said yet another container will be pierced;-   zi. removing protective cover of said yet another container;-   zg. ejecting said spike of said second fluid transfer head, thereby    creating a fluid connection between the interior of said yet another    container and said single outlet; zk. applying pressure on said    another container so as to extract fluid from the same; zl. using    said fluid regulating means to permit flow of fluid from said second    fluid transfer head;-   zm. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from    said first fluid transfer head;-   zn. discontinuing applying pressure on said yet another container    from first fluid transfer head;-   zo. extracting said fluid from said yet another container until the    fluid level in said yet another container is reduced to a    predetermined quantity-   repeating sequentially, for each of the remaining available    containers and respective fluid transfer head, said steps of t-zo.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a method forproviding a substantially continuous and controlled flow of a fluid froma reservoir that comprises plurality of N containers, each of said Ncontainers at a predetermined height and location, wherein said methodcomprises:

-   a. obtaining fluid extracting means;-   b. obtaining at least one fluid transfer head, said at least one    fluid transfer head comprising:-   a spike;-   flexible tubing in fluid contact with said spike;-   an internal reservoir for accommodating said fluid and for    delivering said fluid in fluid contact with said flexible tubing;-   ejecting and retracting means for ejecting at least one of said    spike and said fluid transfer head a predetermined minimum distance    from a resting position to an ejected position and for retracting    said at least one of said spike and said fluid transfer head from    said ejected position to said resting position;-   a fluid exit in fluid contact with said flexible tubing; and,-   height fixing means adapted to fix the vertical position of said    fluid transfer head; c. placing said fluid transfer head proximate    to a first container from which pumping has not yet commenced;-   d. connecting the fluid exits of said fluid transfer heads to said    pumping means;-   e. fixing the height of said fluid transfer head to the height of    said first container, such that upon ejection of the spike, the wall    of said first container will be pierced; f. using said fluid    regulating means to block flow of fluid from said fluid transfer    head; g. removing protective cover of said first container;-   h. ejecting said spike of said fluid transfer head, thereby creating    a fluid connection between the interior of said first container and    said single outlet;-   i. using said fluid regulating means to permit flow of fluid from    said fluid transfer head;-   j. actuating said pumping means;-   k. filling said internal reservoir with said fluid;-   l. extracting said fluid from said first container until the fluid    level in said first container is reduced to a predetermined    quantity;-   m. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from    said fluid transfer head;-   n. extracting said fluid from the said internal reservoir;-   o. retracting said spike into said fluid transfer head;-   p. placing said fluid transfer head proximate to another container    from which pumping has not yet commenced;-   q. fixing the height of said fluid transfer head to the height of    said another container, such that upon ejection of the spike, the    wall of said another container will be pierced;-   r. removing protective cover of said another container;-   s. ejecting said spike of said fluid transfer head, thereby creating    a fluid connection between the interior of said another container    and said single outlet;-   t. using said fluid regulating means to permit flow of fluid from    said another fluid transfer head;-   u. filling said internal reservoir with said fluid;-   v. extracting said fluid from said container until the fluid level    in said another container is reduced to a predetermined quantity;-   repeating sequentially, for each of the remaining available    containers, said steps of m-v.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a method forproviding a substantially continuous and controlled flow of a fluid froma reservoir that comprises plurality of N containers, each of said Ncontainers at a predetermined height and location, wherein said methodcomprises:

-   a. obtaining fluid extracting means;-   b. obtaining at least one fluid transfer head, said fluid transfer    head comprising:-   a spike;-   flexible tubing in fluid contact with said spike;-   an internal reservoir for accommodating said fluid and for    delivering said fluid in fluid contact with said flexible tubing;-   ejecting and retracting means for ejecting at least one of said    spike and said fluid transfer head a predetermined minimum distance    from a resting position to an ejected position and for retracting    said at least one of said spike and said fluid transfer head from    said ejected position to said resting position; a fluid exit in    fluid contact with said flexible tubing; and,-   height fixing means adapted to fix the vertical position of said    fluid transfer head; c. placing said fluid transfer head proximate    to a first container from which pumping has not yet commenced;-   d. fixing the height of said fluid transfer head to the height of    said first container, such that upon ejection of the spike, the wall    of said first container will be pierced;-   e. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from    said fluid transfer head;-   f. removing protective cover of said first container;-   g. ejecting said spike of said fluid transfer head, thereby creating    a fluid connection between the interior of said first container and    said single outlet;-   h. applying pressure on said first container so as to extract fluid    from the same;-   i. using said fluid regulating means to permit flow of fluid from    said fluid transfer head;-   j. filling said internal reservoir with said fluid;-   k. extracting said fluid from said first container until the fluid    level in said first container is reduced to a predetermined    quantity;-   l. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from    said fluid transfer head;-   m. discontinuing applying pressure on said first container from    first fluid transfer head;-   n. extracting said fluid from the said internal reservoir;-   o. retracting said spike into said fluid transfer head;-   p. placing said fluid transfer head proximate to another container    from which pumping has not yet commenced;-   q. fixing the height of said fluid transfer head to the height of    said another container, such that upon ejection of the spike, the    wall of said another container will be pierced;-   r. removing protective cover of said another container;-   s. ejecting said spike of said fluid transfer head, thereby creating    a fluid connection between the interior of said another container    and said single outlet;-   t. applying pressure on said another container so as to extract    fluid from the same; u. using said fluid regulating means to permit    flow of fluid from said another fluid transfer head;-   v. filling said internal reservoir with said fluid;-   w. extracting said fluid from said container until the fluid level    in said another container is reduced to a predetermined quantity;-   repeating sequentially, for each of the remaining available    containers, said steps of l-w.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, additionally comprising a step of removing at least oneof the containers' caps.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said system additionally comprising a step ofextracting said fluid simultaneously from at least two of saidcontainers.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said system additionally comprising a step ofextracting said fluid simultaneously from at least two of saidcontainers, further wherein none or more of the group consisting ofpressure on said containers and the flow rate from said containersdiffer between any two of said at least two containers.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said fluid extracting means are selected from agroup consisting of pumping means for withdrawing fluid out of saidcontainer, pressure applying means adapted to apply pressure on saidcontainer such that fluid is extracted from the same, and anycombination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said step of extracting said fluid compriseseither (a) pumping said fluid from said container; (b) applying pressureon said container such that fluid is extracted from the same; and anycombination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said pressure applying means are selected from agroup consisting of a membrane encapsulating at least one of saidcontainers of fluid, squeezing means adapted to apply squeezing pressureon at least one of said containers and any combination thereof.

It is another Object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said squeezing means are selected from pneumaticcompression of at least one of the containers, hydrostatic compressionof at least one of the containers, and any combination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said system further comprising a step of usingsaid fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from said firstcontainer at any time that flow is permitted from another container.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said system further comprising a step ofdetermining the weight of each of said of said containers in order todetermine the level of fluid within.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said system further comprising a step ofnotifying the user upon the occurrence of at least one condition chosenfrom the group consisting of (a) the beginning of pumping of fluid fromthe Nth of said N containers; (b) a failure of a predeterminedcomponent; (c) a drop in the rate of flow of fluid below a predeterminedthreshold; (d) a drop in the level of fluid in a predetermined containerof said N containers below a predetermined threshold; (e) time from thebeginning of the procedure; (f) number of containers being used.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said system further comprising steps of:

-   ejecting said spike of said first fluid transfer head, thereby    creating a fluid connection between said first container and said    outlet; and,-   extracting fluid from said first container until the level of fluid    within said first container drops by a predetermined amount, by    either pumping said fluid or applying pressure on the same so as to    extract fluid;-   wherein said additional steps are performed after the level of fluid    in said other container drops to said predetermined value and before    the commencement of pumping of fluid from the following container.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said system further comprising steps of:

-   fixing the height of said first fluid transfer head to the height of    another container from which pumping has not yet commenced;-   ejecting said spike of said first fluid transfer head, thereby    creating a fluid connection between the interior of said another    container and said single outlet;-   either pumping fluid or applying pressure on said another container    until the amount of fluid within said another container drops by a    predetermined amount; and, repeating sequentially steps of fixing    the height of each fluid transfer head to the height of a container    from which pumping has not yet commenced, ejecting the spike    therefrom, and pumping fluid from the current container for each of    said fluid transfer heads until the level of fluid within each of    said containers has dropped by a predetermined amount.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said system additionally comprising at least onestep of (a) controlling the rate of flow of fluid through saidirrigation system according to a predetermined protocol; (b) controllingthe movement of said at least one fluid transfer head; (c) controllingthe activation of the same; and any combination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said system additionally comprising step ofwithdrawing said fluid from at least one of said containers of fluid ina predetermined rate of flow to an outer tubing system.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said containers are disposed is a predeterminedconfiguration.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said predetermined configuration is selected froma group consisting of linear shape, radial shape, ellipsoidal shape,square shape, triangular shape, hexagonal shape, pentagonal shape, any2D shape, any 3D shape and any combination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said system additionally comprising step ofregulating at least one of the rate of transfer of fluid from saidreservoir system to each of said fluid transfer heads and the pressureat which said fluid is transferred from said reservoir system to each ofsaid fluid transfer heads.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said system additionally comprising at least onestep of (a) controlling the rate of flow of fluid through saidirrigation system according to a predetermined protocol; (b) controllingthe movement of said at least one fluid transfer head; (c) controllingthe activation of the same.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said system additionally comprising step ofselecting said fluid from a group consisting of gas, liquid and anycombination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said system additionally comprising step ofselecting said fluid from oxygen; anesthetic gas for use as localanesthesia, regional anesthesia and general anesthesia selected fromethers, halogenated ethers, desflurane(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-fluoroethyl-difluoromethyl ether, sevoflurane(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-[trifluoromethyl]ethyl fluoromethyl ether), andisoflurane (2-chloro-2-(difluoromethoxy)-1,1,1-trifluoro-ethane); blood;saline; glycine; water; plasma; medicament and any combination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said system is adapted to deliverseveral substantially different fluids.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said substantially different fluids areprovided to said patient in substantially the same amounts, differentamounts, substantially the same rates, different rates, and anycombination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, additionally comprising a step of providing saidreservoir system with:

-   a plurality of N support shelves adapted to support each of said    containers of said fluid;-   support means adapted to support said shelves and to maintain a    predetermined distance and orientation between pairs of shelves;    and,-   a plurality of at least N slots in said shelf support means, said    slots positioned such that at least one slot is located proximate to    each of said N shelves.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said support is selected from a group consistingof a shelf, a drawer, a receptacle, a sliding receptacle and anycombination thereof,

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said system additionally comprising step ofproviding said containers as bags made of a flexible material.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said system additionally comprising step ofproviding said containers as bags made of a rigid material.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said rigid material is plastic, ceramic, metal,and any combination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said system additionally comprising step ofconstantly monitoring the amount of fluid extracted from said reservoirsystem and reporting the value of said determination.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said system additionally comprising step ofproviding said irrigation system with weight measuring and reportingmeans adapted to determine the weight of each of said containers and toreport the value of said determination.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said system additionally comprising step ofproviding said irrigation system with volume measuring and reportingmeans adapted to determine the volume of each of said containers and toreport the value of said determination.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said system additionally comprising step ofproviding said irrigation system with at least one image sensor adaptedto provide real time images of each of said containers.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said system additionally comprising step ofselecting said image sensor from a group consisting of a camera, a videoand any combination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said system additionally comprising step ofproviding said irrigation system with at least one processing unit incommunication with said at least one image sensor, adapted for real timeimage processing of said image such that either the volume or the weightof each of said containers is provided.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said system additionally comprising step ofallowing rotation of each of said supports about an axis parallel to itslongitudinal axis, said support rotation means further adapted to alloweach of said supports to be fixed at an angle chosen by the operator ofsaid irrigation system.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said system additionally comprising step ofselecting said angle is in a range of about 0 degrees to about 90degrees.

it is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said system additionally comprising step ofproviding each of said containers comprises a neck and a nipple, andfurther wherein said irrigation system further comprises at least oneconnector between said container and said fluid transfer head, whereinsaid connector is reversibly coupled to said irrigation system andcomprises:

-   a lower section comprising two arcs, the first of which is of a    diameter and depth adapted to support said neck, and the second of    which is of a diameter and depth adapted to support said nipple, the    distance between the centers of said arcs substantially equal to the    distance between the centers of said neck and said nipple; and,-   an upper section hingedly connected to said lower section, said    upper section comprising two arcs of diameters substantially    identical to those of the corresponding arcs of said lower section,    said two arcs disposed such that closure of said hinged connection    forms at least one circular hollow passageway passing through said    connector.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said system additionally comprising means adaptedto fix said containers in place, to verify said containers are in placeand any combination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said system additionally comprising step ofproviding said fluid transfer system with fluid transfer head supportmeans adapted to support said fluid transfer heads, said fluid transferhead support means adapted to allow vertical motion, radial motion andany combination thereof of at least one of said fluid transfer heads.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, additionally comprising step of providing each of saidfluid transfer heads with:

-   a spike;-   flexible tubing in fluid contact with said spike;-   ejecting and retracting means for ejecting at least one of said    spike and said fluid transfer head a predetermined minimum distance    along the horizontal axis from a resting position to an ejected    position and for retracting said at least one of said spike and said    fluid transfer head from said ejected position to said resting    position, height fixing means adapted to fix the vertical position    of said fluid transfer head.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said flexible tubing further comprisesat least one internal reservoir for accommodating said fluid and fordelivering said fluid while said fluid transfer head linearly movesalong said main longitudinal axis.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said flexible tubing further comprisesat least one internal reservoir for accommodating said fluid and fordelivering said fluid while said fluid transfer head radially movesaround said main longitudinal axis.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said system additionally comprising step ofheight fixing the vertical position of said fluid transfer head alongsaid main longitudinal axis of said reservoir system.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said system additionally comprising step ofproviding at least one of said fluid transfer heads with an actuator inmechanical contact with said fluid transfer head support means and inelectronic connection with said control means, said actuator adapted toengage with said fluid transfer head support means, whereby actuation ofsaid actuator by a command from said control means causes verticalmotion of said fluid transfer head along the vertical axis of said fluidtransfer support means through a distance determined by said controlmeans.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said system additionally comprising step ofselecting said actuator from a group consisting of stepper motor, voicecommand actuator, motion detector and any combination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said system additionally comprising step ofproviding said fluid regulating means with:

-   pressure applying means mounted proximate to said flexible tubing in    fluid contact with said spike; and,-   extending and retracting means in mechanical contact with said    pressure applying means, said extending and retracting means adapted    to reversibly extend said pressure applying means.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said extending and retracting means comprise aretractable spring.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said extending and retracting means are actuatedby a means chosen from the group consisting of manual means, mechanicalmeans, electrical means, pneumatic means, electromechanical means,electropneumatic means and any combination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said fluid regulating means comprises at leastone selected from a group consisting of a pinch valve, a wheel-likeshaped element adapted to apply pressure, and any combination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, additionally comprising step of selecting said pumpingsystem comprises a peristaltic pump.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said pumping system comprises a single inlet, andfurther wherein at least two of said containers are in fluid connectionwith said single inlet.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein two of said containers are in fluid connectionwith a “Y” joint located downstream of said fluid transfer heads.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said system additionally comprising step ofproviding said irrigation system with:

-   at least one additional container in fluid connection with said    pumping means;-   means for opening and closing said fluid connection; and,-   a rack adapted to hang said additional containers.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said system additionally comprising step ofproviding said irrigation system with an emergency shutoff switchadapted to halt flow of fluid through said irrigation system.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said system additionally comprising step ofpreventing over pressure of said fluid in said irrigation system.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said over pressure is prevented by means of atleast one pressure sensor located in said pumping system.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said over pressure is prevented by means of atleast one pressure sensor in communication with said outer tubingsystem.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said over pressure is prevented by means of atleast one pressure sensor located within said outer tubing system.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said over pressure is prevented by means of atleast one pressure sensor surrounding at least a portion of said outertubing system.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said over pressure is prevented by means ofpre-setting the maximum pressure to which said pump can reach.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said system additionally comprising step ofproviding said irrigation system with removing means for removing aprotective cover or cap from said container.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said system additionally comprising step ofproviding said irrigation system with an automatic collecting meansadapted to collect said cover or cap from said irrigation system.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said removing means comprise cutting means andactuating means adapted to actuate said cutting means.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said removing means comprise pressure applyingmeans, adapted to apply pressure on said cover or cap by at least one ofa group consisting of pulling, pushing, and twisting said cover or cap.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, additionally comprising step of identifying an emptycontainer.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, additionally comprising step of moving at least one ofsaid fluid transfer head to said empty container.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said containers are disposed in a predeterminedconfiguration.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said predetermined configuration is selected froma group consisting of linear configuration, radial configuration,ellipsoidal configuration, square configuration, triangularconfiguration, hexagonal configuration, pentagonal configuration, any2D-shaped configuration, any 3D shaped configuration and any combinationthereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, further including a step of removing a protective coveror cap from said container.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, additionally comprising a step of collecting said coveror cap from said irrigation system.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, additionally comprising a step of providing at least oneholder, said at least one holder enabled to contain caps and coversremoved from none or more of a group consisting of fluid containers,spikes, and fluid transfer heads during operation of said system.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said fluid transfer head additionally comprises aconnector, said connector configured such that said spike can not becoupled to said fluid transfer head before removal of protective coversfrom said spike.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, additionally comprising a step of providing said systemwith tubing and valves such as to enable said system to providecontinuous and controlled flow of a fluid to a plurality of patients.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, additionally comprising a step of providing said systemwith tubing and valves such as to enable said system to providecontinuous and controlled flow of a plurality of fluids to a pluralityof patients.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention herein disclosed is described with reference to thedrawings, in which

FIG. 1 presents a schematic assembly diagram of the apparatus disclosedherein according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a fluid transfer head according to one embodiment ofthe invention disclosed herein;

FIGS. 3A and 3B present views of one embodiment of a connector formating a fluid container's head to a fluid transfer head (namely, matingthe neck and a nipple of the container's head to the neck and a nippleof the connector) and for fixing the position of the container accordingto one embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate the use of the component shown in FIGS. 3Aand 3B;

FIG. 5 illustrates a stopper mechanism for regulating the flow of fluidfrom a container according to one embodiment of the invention disclosedherein;

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a mechanism for regulating the flow of fluidfrom a container according to another embodiment of the inventiondisclosed herein;

FIG. 7 presents a schematic assembly diagram of one embodiment of theapparatus disclosed herein, illustrating the placement of containerswithin the reservoir system;

FIG. 8 presents a schematic assembly diagram of one embodiment of theapparatus disclosed herein that includes means for weighing thecontainers within the reservoir system;

FIG. 9 presents a schematic assembly diagram of another embodiment ofthe apparatus disclosed herein;

FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, and 10G illustrate means forremoving a protective cover or cap from a container's head after thecontainer is placed within the reservoir system; and,

FIG. 11 illustrates the flexible tubing of fluid connections for theflow of the fluid from the containers to the exit from the apparatusaccording to one embodiment of the invention disclosed herein.

FIGS. 12A, 12B and 12C illustrate another embodiment of the inventiondisclosed herein, in which an internal reservoir is utilized.

FIGS. 13A, 13B and 13C illustrate another embodiment of the inventiondisclosed herein, in which a radial configuration of the container isutilized.

FIG. 14 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, various aspects of the invention will bedescribed. For the purposes of explanation, specific details are setforth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. Itwill be apparent to one skilled in the art that there are otherembodiments of the invention that differ in details without affectingthe essential nature thereof. Therefore the invention is not limited bythat which is illustrated in the figures and described in thespecification, but only as indicated in the accompanying claims, withthe proper scope determined only by the broadest interpretation of saidclaims.

The term ‘eject’ hereinafter refers to extending a spike from aretracted position such that the spike penetrates the wall of a fluidcontainer. After ejection of a spike, there is fluid connection betweenthe interior of the fluid container and the interior of the spike.

The term ‘plurality’ hereinafter refers to any integer greater than one.

The present invention provides a unique robotic and fully automatedsolution, based on using solution bags such as those used in prior artwith an electro-mechanic machine that automatically replaces switchesbetween containers, thereby obviating the need for a manual change ofcontainers.

The system consists of several sub mechanisms; such as, but not limitedto a mechanism that will identify when the bag/container is about toempty (or alternatively, to monitor/identify the amount of fluid withinthe same), identify an empty/full bag, switch the bag automatically,spike it and build pressure according to the surgeon's needs thusenabling a Continuous Irrigation.

The present invention provides an irrigation system for providing acontinuous and controlled flow of a fluid, wherein said systemcomprises:

-   (a) a reservoir system comprising a plurality of containers of    fluid; said reservoir system is characterized by a main longitudinal    axis; (b) a fluid transfer system in fluid connection with said    reservoir system, said fluid transfer system comprising: at least    one fluid transfer head, adapted to transfer fluid from one of said    plurality of reservoirs to an external tubing system; wherein each    of said fluid transfer heads is characterized by a mechanism adapted    to linearly move each of said fluid transfer heads along said main    longitudinal axis.

The present invention further provides an irrigation system forproviding a continuous and controlled rate flow of a fluid, wherein saidsystem comprises: (a) a reservoir system comprising a plurality ofcontainers of fluid; said containers in said reservoir system aredisposed in a predetermined configuration; and, (b) a fluid transfersystem in fluid connection with said reservoir system, said fluidtransfer system comprising: at least one fluid transfer head, adapted totransfer fluid from one of said plurality of reservoirs to an externaltubing system; wherein each of said fluid transfer heads ischaracterized by a mechanism adapted to radially move each of said fluidtransfer heads along said configuration of said containers.

According to one embodiment said predetermined configuration comprises alinear configuration, a radial configuration, an ellipsoidalconfiguration, a square configuration, a triangular configuration, ahexagonal configuration, a pentagonal configuration, any 2D or 3D shapedconfiguration and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment, the fluid transfer system furthercomprising fluid regulating means, adapted to regulate at least one ofthe rate of transfer of fluid from said reservoir system to each of saidfluid transfer heads or the pressure at which said fluid is transferredfrom said reservoir system to each of said fluid transfer heads.

According to another embodiment, the system further comprising a controlsystem adapted to control at least one selected from a group consistingof (a) the rate of flow of fluid through said irrigation systemaccording to a predetermined protocol; (b) the movement of said at leastone fluid transfer head; (c) the activation of the same.

According to another embodiment, the system additionally comprising apressure building system selected from pumping means adapted to withdrawsaid fluid from at least one of said containers; or pressure applyingmeans adapted to apply pressure on at least one of said containers.

According to another embodiment, said system further comprising apumping system in fluid connection with said fluid transfer system,adapted to withdraw said fluid from at least one of said containers offluid in a predetermined rate of flow to an outer tubing system.

According to another embodiment, said system further comprising pressureapplying means adapted to apply pressure on at least one of saidcontainers of fluid so as to enable a predetermined rate of flow from atleast one of said containers to an outer tubing system.

According to another embodiment, said pressure applying means isselected from a group consisting of a membrane encapsulating at leastone of said containers of fluid, squeezing means adapted to applysqueezing pressure on at least one of said containers and anycombination thereof and any combination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention the squeezing means areselected from pneumatic compression of at least one of the containers,hydrostatic compression of at least one of the containers, and anycombination thereof.

According to one embodiment, the fluid is selected from a groupconsisting of gas, liquid and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment, the fluid is selected from oxygen;anesthetic gas for use as local anesthesia, regional anesthesia andgeneral anesthesia selected from ethers, halogenated ethers, desflurane(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-fluoroethyl-difluoromethyl ether, sevoflurane(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-[trifluoromethyl]ethyl fluoromethyl ether), andisoflurane (2-chloro-2-(difluoromethoxy)-1,1,1-trifluoro-ethane); blood;saline; glycine; water; plasma; medicament and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment, several substantially different fluidsare provided by the irrigation system of the present invention.

According to another embodiment, said substantially different fluids areprovided to the patient in substantially the same amounts, differentamounts, substantially the same rates, different rates, and anycombination thereof.

The following description is provided while using a system with apumping system, however, the same system can be provided with pressureapplying means, adapted to apply pressure on at least one of saidcontainers of fluid so as to enable a predetermined rate of flow from atleast one of said containers to an outer tubing system.

Furthermore, the following description is provided to an irrigationsystem in which the containers are disposed in a linear configuration,however (as will be seen in FIGS. 13a-13c ) a radial configuration canalso be utilized.

Non-limiting examples of treatment protocols utilizing the system,according to at least some of the embodiments illustrated in thefollowing description, are illustrated in examples 1-3.

According to the first protocol, at least two fluid transfer heads areprovided, each of which is disposed in proximity to a container. Thefirst is opened and fluid is extracted (either by pumping or by exertingforce so as to extract fluid) until the fluid reaches a pre-determinedlevel. Once said level is reached, the second container is pierced andfluid is extracted from the same. Once the level in the second containerreaches a predetermined level, fluid is allowed to flow from the firstcontainer, while the second fluid transfer head moves to anothercontainer. Then said another container is spiked. Fluid flow from thefirst container is prevented and fluid flow from said second containeris allowed.

In such a protocol, the second fluid transfer head moves from onecontainer to the other while the first fluid transfer head (and thefirst container) is used as back up, ensuring continuous flow during thetime the second fluid transfer head moves between one container andanother.

In the second treatment protocol both the fluid transfer heads aremoved. Thus, once the first container reaches a predetermined level, thefluid from the second container is allowed to flow and the fluid fromthe first is blocked. Then the first fluid transfer head is moved toanother container.

In the third treatment protocol only one fluid transfer head is utilizedand the same contains an internal reservoir to be used when the samemoves from one container to the other.

Reference is now made to FIG. 1, which provides a schematic assemblydiagram of an embodiment 1 of the apparatus disclosed herein. Theapparatus comprises four subsystems, reservoir system 10, fluid transfersystem 20, pumping system 30, and control system 40.

Reservoir system 10 comprises a plurality of supports 100 which aresupported on at least two sides by support structure 110. In preferredembodiments of the invention, the supports are shelves, but anyalternative means known in the art for supporting a plurality ofcontainers may be used (e.g., drawer, receptacle, a sliding receptacle,chamber and any combination thereof). In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1, support structure 110 comprises three side walls along with atop and bottom. In other embodiments (not illustrated), the supportstructure also includes a fourth side wall, which can be opened (i.e.functions as a door) or removed in order to provide access to thesupports in order to insert and remove containers, and then closed orreplaced in order to prevent accidental disconnection or puncture whilethe apparatus is in use.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, supports 100 are placed at anangle other than horizontal in order to ease access. In more preferredembodiments, they are hingably or pivotally attached to the walls sothat the user may rotate at least partially each support about its longaxis. Means for creating such rotatable supports (either rotatableindividually or in tandem) are well-known in the art. The supports areof a sufficient area to support the containers used; as a non-limitingexample, in typical embodiments, the containers will be standardprepackaged plastic bags of the fluid to be transferred. A slot 120 islocated proximate to each support in at least one of the walls of thesupport structure. The slots extend to one edge of the wall, and are ofa size appropriate at least to allow means for transferring fluid fromthe container to pass through. In preferred embodiments, the slots areadapted for use with containers that comprise a neck or cover or cap,and each slot is placed at a height relative to the nearest support suchthat, when the container lies on the support, the neck or cover or cappasses through the slot. In most preferred embodiments, the slots are ofa size adapted for use with connectors that fix the position of thecontainer, as described in detail below.

It should be emphasized that according to some embodiments, the systemis provided with a dedicated connector to mate between the containersand the fluid transfer heads. According to another embodiment, theconnector is reversibly coupled to the system and may be replaced fromtime to time.

The fluid transfer system 20 comprises a plurality of fluid transferheads 200 and a support system 210 for the fluid transfer heads. Asshown in FIG. 1, a typical support system comprises at least onevertical rod, the entire assembly being fixed to a base 220 (and in someembodiments cross pieces for additional support). In preferredembodiments, the base is fixed at a predetermined distance from thereservoir system, e.g. by fixing both systems to a common base.

Reference is now made to FIG. 2, which presents a schematic illustrationof a typical embodiment of a fluid transfer head. The fluid transferhead comprises a hollow needle 2010 (e.g., a spike) mounted therein andmeans 2020 for ejecting and retracting the needle (e.g., a spike). Suchmeans are well-known in the art. The needle is in fluid connection (e.g.by a length of flexible tubing) with outlet 2030. In addition, the fluidtransfer head contains means (not shown in FIG. 2) for adjusting andfixing the height of the fluid transfer head along support structure210. In preferred embodiments, the means for adjusting and fixing theheight comprises a stepper motor, but any other means for doing so knownin the art may be used. The height adjusting and fixing means are usedto bring the fluid transfer head (more particularly the needle containedwithin) to the height of one of the containers located within thereservoir system. In preferred embodiments, the height fixing meansadditionally comprises means for locking the fluid transfer head inplace.

It should be emphasized that the spike is not an integral part of thesystem; but is a single use spike that is, prior to the use of thesystem, coupled to the same.

Furthermore, it should be emphasized that the piercing of the containermight be achieved by either the movement of the spike on the fluidtransfer heads to the container and/or the movement of the entire fluidtransfer heads along with the spike.

Pumping system 30 includes any appropriate pumping means (including flowdue to gravity) for pumping the fluid from the reservoir to its ultimatedestination in the quantities and flow rates required for the specificuse to which the apparatus is being put (e.g. irrigation during aparticular medical procedure). In preferred embodiments, the pumpingsystem comprises a peristaltic pump and flexible tube made of a materialappropriate for use with a peristaltic pump and of a diameterappropriate for use with the peristaltic pump and for providingsufficient conductance to allow the fluid to flow at the desired rate.The tubing connections used in typical embodiments are described indetail below.

In further reference to FIG. 1, a managing and control system 40includes means for directing the system in the tasks that it performs.In preferred embodiments of the invention, control system 40 comprises acomputer preprogrammed to direct the system in these tasks. The computercommunicates with the components of the system by any appropriate meansknown in the art (e.g. USB, parallel or serial connections, wirelessconnections, etc.). The control system is responsible for control of thevertical position of the fluid transfer heads, the status (retracted orejected) of the needles, and the rate of flow of the fluid through thesystem. In preferred embodiments, it also monitors system parameterssuch as the amount of fluid within each container and whether the flowis at its programmed level. In the most preferred embodiments of theinvention, the control system also includes means for notifying theoperator of the current status of system parameters such as thebeginning of pumping of fluid from the last of the containers; failureof one of the system components; a drop in the rate of flow of fluidbelow a predetermined threshold; a drop in the level of fluid in apredetermined container below a predetermined threshold; and so on. Inthe most preferred embodiments, the control system also includes a“panic button” that enables the operator to stop all flow of fluidthrough the system.

According to another embodiment, the system may communicate parametersassociated with the system or the condition of the container (full,empty, etc.) to any wirelessly or wiredly connected system (remotecomputer, cellular system etc.) so as to inform/update/call for humanbackup (e.g., nurse) to replace/add/remove containers.

In some embodiments of the invention, it also includes a manual backupsystem comprising at least one container of fluid in fluid connectionwith the output of the system, and a manual valve for opening andclosing the container. In embodiments that include the manual backupsystem, in case of a total system failure or if the reservoir systemempties, fluid will continue to flow from the containers composing themanual backup system while the automatic system is being attended to.

According to another embodiment, the system will enable the hanging orsuspension of the containers at a predetermined height such that thefluid will flow by means of gravity.

Reference is now made to FIG. 3, which illustrates one embodiment ofconnector 130. This connector fixes the position of the container withinthe reservoir system. The connector comprises an upper portion and alower portion, and is of a size and shape (in preferred embodiments,rectangular) designed to be inserted into slot 120. As shown in FIG. 3,in preferred embodiments, the connector itself comprises a slot 1300around its circumference of a depth appropriate for a slip fit into slot120. Connector 130 comprises a lower section 1320 and an upper section1310, connected by a hinge 1330 at the end first inserted into slot 120.In preferred embodiments, in its closed position, shown in FIG. 3 A, theconnector forms one or two hollow passageways 1340 and 1350. One (1340)is of a diameter sufficiently large that the neck of the container canfit through. Most commercially available containers comprise a nipplelocated near the neck. According to one embodiment, the secondpassageway (1350) in connector 130 accommodates this nipple, i.e. it hasa diameter sufficiently large to allow the nipple to fit inside, and isseparated from the first passageway by a distance substantiallyidentical to that of the separation between the neck and the nipple ofthe container. Each of the two portions of the connector comprises twoarcs such that when the connector is opened, as shown in FIG. 3B, thelower portion can support the neck (1340 b) and nipple (1350 b) of thecontainer, while the upper portion comprises two matching arcs (1340 tand 1350 t, respectively). In preferred embodiments, each of the twoportions of the connector comprises two semicircular arcs (i.e. thedivision between the two parts is along the diameters of thepassageways).

It should be emphasized that the connector may be an integral part ofthe system, and may be a removable part enabled to couple to the system.

Reference is now made to FIG. 4, which illustrates the use of connector130. The connector is opened and the container placed upon the lowerportion such that the neck and nipple lie on and are supported by theirrespective arcs, as shown in FIG. 4A. The connector is then closed,forming the passageways and fixing the orientation of the container, asshown in FIG. 4B. The entire assembly is then slid into a slot 120, thusfixing both the location of the container and its rotationalorientation.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, the apparatus 130 alsoincludes means for regulating the flow of the fluid, in particular, forpreventing unwanted flow or leakage of fluid from a container when thespike is retracted. Reference is now made to FIG. 5, which illustrates atypical embodiment of these flow regulating means. In the embodimentillustrated in the figure, these means are located within connector 130.In this embodiment, the upper or lower portion of connector 130comprises a passageway perpendicular to the passageway through which theneck of the container passes. Controller 140 passes through thispassageway. The controller comprises member 1410 (e.g. a finger or pinchclamp) and actuating means (e.g. a retractable spring) 1420. When theactuating means are activated (e.g. the spring is extended), the memberpresses down on the neck of the container, thus closing it, while whenthe spring is retracted (the spike pushes the spring when ejected to thecontainer), fluid flow from the container is possible.

Reference is now made to FIG. 6, which shows a second embodiment of theflow regulating means. In this embodiment, the means are located withinthe fluid transfer head. A member 1610 and means for actuating it 1620are located within the fluid transfer head. In this case, when themember is actuated (FIG. 6A), it closes off flow of fluid through theflexible tubing connecting needle 2010 to outlet 2030, while when it isopen (FIG. 6B), flow of fluid through the fluid transfer head isunimpeded.

It should be emphasized that the member of FIG. 6 is adapted to applypressure on the tubing so as to determine the rate of flow/pressure ofthe fluid.

Reference is now made to FIG. 7, which presents a schematic assemblydiagram of apparatus 1 including a plurality of containers 150 a-c.While this embodiment shows three containers inserted into a supportsystem that can contain six, it will be clear to one skilled in the artthat the size of the support system (and hence the maximum number ofcontainers that can be contained within) is limited only by the spaceavailable to the support system. In the particular case of FIG. 7, thefluid transfer heads are withdrawing fluid from containers 150 a and 150c; at another time during the particular operation, the second fluidtransfer head 200 may have been moved to withdraw fluid from container150 b.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, it includes means fordetermining the amount of fluid within each container. In most preferredembodiments, these means include means for measuring the weight of eachcontainer and determining the amount of fluid remaining from the currentweight of the container relative to its weight when full. Reference isnow made to FIG. 8, which illustrates one embodiment of such weightdetermining means. In this embodiment each support is in mechanicalconnection with actuator 160, which is located beneath support 100 (seeFIG. 1). From the pressure upon the actuator, it is possible tocalculate the weight according to procedures well known in the art, and,from the known density of the fluid, calculation of the volume of fluidremaining in the container is easily performed. Actuator 160 and itsassociated electronics are in communication with control system 40 (seeFIG. 1), which calculates and records the weight of each container.

Reference is now made to FIG. 9, which presents a schematic assemblydiagram of a second embodiment 2 of the invention herein disclosed. Inthis embodiment, the fluid transfer system 20 (see FIG. 1) may furthercomprise horizontal stop 230. The horizontal stop acts to limit themotion of the fluid transfer heads. Thus, the upper of the at least twofluid transfer heads illustrated in FIG. 9 can only withdraw fluid fromthose containers located above the level of the horizontal stop, as thefluid transfer head cannot be lowered beyond the height of the stop.Similarly, the lower of the at least two fluid transfer heads can onlywithdraw fluid from the containers located below the level of thehorizontal stop, as the fluid head cannot be raised beyond the height ofthe stop.

Most commercially available containers for fluids used in medicalprocedures, in particular plastic bags, comprise a protective plasticcover or cap that prevents accidental puncture of the neck. Thisprotective plastic cover or cap must be removed before fluid can bewithdrawn from the container. In preferred embodiments of the invention,it includes means for removing the protective plastic cover or cap afterthe container has been placed within the reservoir system. Reference isnow made to FIG. 10, which illustrates one embodiment of such means. Inthe embodiment illustrated in the figure, the apparatus comprisescutting means 240 and an actuator 250 located between the fluid transferhead and the reservoir system. The actuator activates pushing meanssuitable for removing the plastic cap (155). FIG. 10A illustrates thesystem prior to removal of the protective plastic cap 155. As shown inFIG. 10B, upon actuation of the pushing means, it is lowered, thusremoving the protective plastic cap. The actuator then retracts thecutting means, as shown in FIG. 10C. Once the cutting means have beenretracted, needle 2010 can be ejected, piercing the container andpermitting withdrawal of fluid, as shown in FIG. 10D.

Reference is now made to FIG. 10E, which illustrates an embodiment of aholder (175) to hold the protective cap or cover after its removal fromthe fluid container, so that the cap or cover can neither litter thework area around the system nor interfere with the working of the systemby falling into or jamming some part of the mechanism. The holdercomprises a box or hopper with open top situated below the actuator andpushing means such that, after removal of the cap or cover from thecontainer, said cap or cover falls, under the influence of gravity, intosaid holder. In preferred embodiments, the holder is situated apredetermined distance from said pushing means, preferably by beingattached to said fluid transfer head. In some embodiments, the holdercomprises a shallow inclined tray or other extension extending beneaththe pushing means so that the cap or cover falls onto the tray and thenslides from there into a deeper hopper, thereby ensuring that (a) thecap or cover is reliable captured, (b) there is sufficient storage spacefor all caps or covers removed from containers during even prolonged useof the system, and (c) the holder does not increase the amount ofclearance needed between shelves in the system.

In general, the spike will be supplied with a protective cover to ensureboth that the spike remains sterile and to prevent accidental needlesticks during transport, storage or mounting. It will be necessary toremove this protective cover before use of the spike and, in preferredembodiments, the cover will be removed before the spike is attached tothe fluid transfer head and/or the tubing. Reference is now made toFIGS. 10E-10F which illustrate schematically embodiments of a connectorin the fluid transfer head which couples the spike to the tubing. In theembodiment in FIG. 10E, the connector comprises a flange which preventsinsertion of the spike into the spike-mounting mechanism if theprotective cover has not been removed. FIG. 1 IF illustrates anembodiment wherein the spike must be inserted through an outer housingin the fluid transfer head, which is again not possible unless theprotective cover has been removed. Said connector has the furtheradvantage that it enables an operator to see that the spike is in theright position and is properly mounted.

In some embodiments, the system further comprises a mechanical stopperof any type known in the art, for non-limiting example, a pinch valve orwheel valve. This mechanical stopper enables the flow of fluid to behalted mechanically by an operator without altering any settings of thesystem. Such mechanical stoppage of the flow may be desirable, forexample, to allow an operator to replace a spike that becomes blocked,to check the proper positioning of a spike, and to ensure that noleakage will occur during replacement of used containers. In preferredembodiments, said mechanical stopper is fluidly close to the spike. Fornon-limiting example, the fluid transfer head additionally comprises themechanical stopper. In preferred embodiments, the connector additionallycomprises a mechanical stopper.

Reference is now made to FIG. 11, which illustrates schematically thefluid connections of a typical embodiment of the apparatus. Fluidconnections are made through at least two fluid transfer heads fromneedles (e.g spike) 2010 a and 2010 b to outlets 2030 a and 2030 b,respectively. The outlets are connected to flexible tubing, which isjoined by a Y fitting 310 to form a single inlet 320 to a special tubeand fittings that can connect to the pump 300. The fluid then passesthrough the pump to the final exit from the system (e.g. the site of themedical procedure) 330.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 12a-12c illustrating another embodimentof the present invention. FIGS. 12a-12c illustrate an embodiment inwhich at least one of the flexible tubing within at least one of thefluid transfer heads 200 comprises at least one internal reservoir 1200for accommodating said fluid and for delivering said fluid while saidfluid transfer head linearly moves along said main longitudinal axis ofthe Reservoir system 10 (i.e., from one container to another).Alternatively, as mentioned above, the fluid transfer head can radiallymove from one container to the other.

As mentioned above, each of said fluid transfer heads comprises:

-   a spike;-   flexible tubing in fluid contact with said spike;-   ejecting and retracting means for ejecting at least one of said    spike and said fluid transfer head a predetermined minimum distance    along the horizontal axis from a resting position to an ejected    position and for retracting said at least one of said spike and said    fluid transfer head from said ejected position to said resting    position,-   height fixing means adapted to fix the vertical position of said    fluid transfer head.

According to this embodiment, said flexible tubing (of each of the fluidtransfer heads) further comprises at least one internal reservoir foraccommodating said fluid and for delivering said fluid while said fluidtransfer head linearly moves along said main longitudinal axis.

Alternatively, according to this embodiment, said flexible tubing (ofeach of the fluid transfer heads) further comprises at least oneinternal reservoir for accommodating said fluid and for delivering saidfluid while said fluid transfer head radially moves around said mainlongitudinal axis.

In another embodiment, the system is enabled to provide continuousirrigation to more than one patient simultaneously. In one embodiment ofa system enabled to provide continuous irrigation to more than onepatient simultaneously, each patient receives irrigation fluids from aseparate container; the system comprises at least one fluid transferhead per patient to be provided with irrigation fluids. In anotherembodiment of a system enabled to provide continuous irrigation to morethan one patient simultaneously, the tubing is divided so that onecontainer will provide fluid to more than one patient, with valves onsaid tubing controlled by said computer program enabling control of flowof said irrigation fluids to said patients.

In another embodiment, the system is enabled to provide simultaneouscontinuous irrigation of more than one fluid to more than one patient.

In yet another embodiment, the system is enabled to provide continuousirrigation. Reference is now made to FIG. 14 illustrating saidembodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 14 the system as disclosed in any of the above,10, may provide one or more fluids to one or more patients.

The system may e.g., comprise at least one tube 7 coupling the system 10to the distribution manifold, 6.

At least one valve (e.g., a unidirectional valve) 1 is coupled to thedistribution manifold, 6. Valve 1 is also coupled to at least onecontainer 2, which is coupled to at least one sterilization mechanism 3and/or at least one filter 4.

The sterilization mechanism 3 and the filter 4 may be coupled to asecond valve (ensuring the right fluid is being delivered to the rightpatient).

According to such protocol the following steps are taken:

-   a. obtaining fluid extracting means;-   b. obtaining one fluid transfer head, said fluid transfer head    comprising:-   a spike;-   flexible tubing in fluid contact with said spike with internal    reservoir; ejecting and retracting means for ejecting at least one    of said spike and said fluid transfer head a predetermined minimum    distance from a resting position to an ejected position and for    retracting said at least one of said spike and said fluid transfer    head from said ejected position to said resting position;-   a fluid exit in fluid contact with said flexible tubing; and,-   height fixing means adapted to fix the vertical position of said    fluid transfer head; internal reservoir for accommodating said fluid    and for delivering said fluid; c. placing said fluid transfer head    proximate to a first container from which pumping has not yet    commenced;-   d. connecting the fluid exits of said fluid transfer heads to said    pumping means;-   e. fixing the height of said fluid transfer head to the height of    said first container, such that upon ejection of the spike, the wall    of said first container will be pierced; f. using said fluid    regulating means to block flow of fluid from said fluid transfer    head; g. removing protective cover of said first container;-   h. ejecting said spike into said fluid transfer head, thereby    creating a fluid connection between the interior of said first    container and said single outlet;-   i. using said fluid regulating means to permit flow of fluid from    said fluid transfer head;-   j. actuating said pumping means;-   k. filling said internal reservoir with said fluid;-   l. extracting said fluid from said first container until the fluid    level in said first container is reduced to a predetermined    quantity;-   m. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from    said fluid transfer head;-   n. extracting said fluid from the said internal reservoir;-   o. retracting said spike into said fluid transfer head;-   p. placing said fluid transfer head proximate to another available    container;-   q. fixing the height of said fluid transfer head to the height of    said said another container, such that upon ejection of the spike,    the wall of said another container will be pierced;-   r. removing protective cover of said another container;-   s. ejecting said spike of said fluid transfer head, thereby creating    a fluid connection between the interior of said another container    and said single outlet;-   t. using said fluid regulating means to permit flow of fluid from    said another fluid transfer head;-   u. filling said internal reservoir with said fluid;-   v. extracting said fluid from said container until the fluid level    in said another container is reduced to a predetermined quantity;-   repeating sequentially, for each of the remaining available    containers, said steps of m-v.

Alternatively the following steps are taken:

-   a. obtaining fluid extracting means;-   b. obtaining one fluid transfer head, said fluid transfer head    comprising:-   a spike;-   flexible tubing in fluid contact with said spike with internal    reservoir;-   ejecting and retracting means for ejecting at least one of said    spike and said fluid transfer head a predetermined minimum distance    from a resting position to an ejected position and for retracting    said at least one of said spike and said fluid transfer head from    said ejected position to said resting position;-   a fluid exit in fluid contact with said flexible tubing; and,-   height fixing means adapted to fix the vertical position of said    fluid transfer head; internal reservoir for accommodating said fluid    and for delivering said fluid;-   c. placing said fluid transfer head proximate to a first container    from which pumping has not yet commenced;-   d. fixing the height of said fluid transfer head to the height of    said first container, such that upon ejection of the spike, the wall    of said first container will be pierced; e. using said fluid    regulating means to block flow of fluid from said fluid transfer    head; f. removing protective cover of said first container;-   g. ejecting said spike of said fluid transfer head, thereby creating    a fluid connection between the interior of said first container and    said single outlet;-   h. applying pressure on said first container so as to extract fluid    from the same;-   i. using said fluid regulating means to permit flow of fluid from    said fluid transfer head;-   j. filling said internal reservoir with said fluid;-   k. extracting said fluid from said first container until the fluid    level in said first container is reduced to a predetermined    quantity;-   l. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from    said fluid transfer head;-   m. discontinuing applying pressure on said first container from    first fluid transfer head;-   n. extracting said fluid from the said internal reservoir;-   o. retracting said spike into said fluid transfer head;-   p. placing said fluid transfer head proximate to another available    container;-   q. fixing the height of said fluid transfer head to the height of    said said another container, such that upon ejection of the spike,    the wall of said another container will be pierced;-   r. removing protective cover of said another container;-   s. ejecting said spike of said fluid transfer head, thereby creating    a fluid connection between the interior of said another container    and said single outlet;-   t. applying pressure on said another container so as to extract    fluid from the same; u using said fluid regulating means to permit    flow of fluid from said another fluid transfer head;-   v. filling said internal reservoir with said fluid;-   w. extracting said fluid from said container until the fluid level    in said another container is reduced to a predetermined quantity;-   repeating sequentially, for each of the remaining available    containers, said steps of l-w.

Reference is now made to FIG. 13 illustrating other embodiments of thepresent invention. FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment in which theirrigation system for providing a continuous and controlled rate flow ofa fluid, comprises (a) a reservoir system 10 comprising a plurality ofcontainers 1300 of fluid reservoirs; said containers in said reservoirsystem 10 are disposed in a predetermined radial configuration; (b) afluid transfer system 20 in fluid connection with said reservoir system,said fluid transfer system 20 comprising at least one fluid transferhead 200, adapted to transfer fluid from one of said plurality ofreservoirs to an external tubing system; wherein each of said fluidtransfer heads is characterized by a mechanism adapted to radially moveeach of said fluid transfer heads along said radial configuration ofsaid containers. FIGS. 13a and 13b illustrate, in an out-of-scalemanner, an embodiment wherein the main longitudinal axis is vertical,with FIG. 13a illustrating an embodiment of the system from above, whileFIG. 13b illustrates a perspective view from above. FIG. 13cillustrates, in an out-of-scale manner, an embodiment wherein the mainlongitudinal axis is horizontal.

In the examples given below, for simplicity, the actions in each stepare described as if they are happening continuously. It will be clear toone skilled in the art that there is no requirement for eithercontinuousness or simultaneity and, indeed, in preferred embodiments ofthe invention, the actions will not in general be neither simultaneousnor continuous. For example, in a protocol that requires that aparticular fluid transfer head be moved from one container to another,the movement can be (and in general will be) performed at any time thatfluid is not actively flowing through that head.

Thus, it is one object of the present invention to provide an irrigationsystem for providing a continuous and controlled flow of a fluid,wherein said system comprises: a reservoir system comprising a pluralityof containers of fluid; said reservoir system is characterized by a mainlongitudinal axis;

-   a fluid transfer system in fluid connection with said reservoir    system, said fluid transfer system comprising:-   at least one fluid transfer head, adapted to transfer fluid from one    of said plurality of containers to an external tubing system;    wherein each of said fluid transfer heads is characterized by a    mechanism adapted to linearly move each of said fluid transfer heads    along said main longitudinal axis.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an irrigationsystem for providing a continuous and controlled rate flow of a fluid,wherein said system comprises: a reservoir system comprising a pluralityof containers of fluid; said containers in said reservoir system aredisposed in a predetermined configuration;

-   a fluid transfer system in fluid connection with said reservoir    system, said fluid transfer system comprising:-   at least one fluid transfer head, adapted to transfer fluid from one    of said plurality of containers to an external tubing system;    wherein each of said fluid transfer heads is characterized by a    mechanism adapted to radially move each of said fluid transfer    heads.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said predetermined configuration isselected from a group consisting of a linear configuration, radialconfiguration, ellipsoidal, square, triangle, hexagonal, pentagonal, any2D or 3D shape and any combination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said fluid transfer system furthercomprising fluid regulating means, adapted to regulate either the rateof transfer of fluid from said reservoir system to each of said fluidtransfer heads or the pressure at which said fluid is transferred fromsaid reservoir system to each of said fluid transfer heads.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said system further comprising acontrol system adapted to control at least one selected from a groupconsisting of (a) the rate of flow of fluid through said irrigationsystem according to a predetermined protocol; (b) the movement of saidat least one fluid transfer head; (c) the activation of the same; andany combination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said system further comprising apumping system in fluid connection with said fluid transfer system,adapted to withdraw said fluid from at least one of said containers offluid in a predetermined rate of flow to an outer tubing system.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said system further comprising pressureapplying means adapted to apply pressure on at least one of saidcontainers of fluid so as to enable a predetermined rate of flow from atleast one of said containers to an outer tubing system.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said pressure applying means isselected from a group consisting of a membrane encapsulating at leastone of said containers of fluid, squeezing means adapted to applysqueezing pressure on at least one of said containers and anycombination thereof and any combination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said squeezing means are selected fromat least one of pneumatic, hydrostatic, and compression of at least oneof the containers.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said fluid is selected from a groupconsisting of gas, liquid, and any combination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said fluid is selected from oxygen;anesthetic gas for use as local anesthesia, regional anesthesia andgeneral anesthesia selected from ethers, halogenated ethers, desflurane(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-fluoroethyl-difluoromethyl ether, sevoflurane(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-[trifluoromethyl]ethyl fluoromethyl ether), andisoflurane (2-chloro-2-(difluoromethoxy)-1₁1,1-trifluoro-ethane); blood;saline; glycine; water; plasma; medicament and any combination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said system is adapted to deliverseveral substantially different fluids.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said substantially different fluids areprovided to said patient in substantially the same amounts, differentamounts, substantially the same rates, different rates, and anycombination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said fluid transfer system comprises atleast at least two fluid transfer heads.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said at least one fluid transfer headcomprises at least one internal reservoir for accommodating said fluidand for delivering said fluid while said fluid transfer head linearlymoves along said main longitudinal axis.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said at least one fluid transfer headcomprises at least one internal reservoir for accommodating said fluidand for delivering said fluid while said fluid transfer head radiallymoves around said main longitudinal axis.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said reservoir system comprises:

-   a plurality of N support shelves adapted to support each of said    containers of said fluid; support means adapted to support said    shelves and to maintain a predetermined distance and orientation    between each pair of shelves; and,-   a plurality of at least N slots in said shelf support means, said    slots positioned such that at least one slot is located proximate to    each of said N shelves.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said support is selected from a groupconsisting of shelf, drawer, receptacle, a sliding receptacle, chamberand any combination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said containers are bags made of aflexible material.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said containers are made of a rigidmaterial.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said rigid material is glass, plastic,ceramic, metal, and any combination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said reservoir system furthercomprising monitoring means adapted to constantly monitor the amount offluid extracted from said reservoir system and/or the amount of fluidremaining in said reservoir system and reporting means adapted to reportthe value of said determination.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said reservoir system further comprisesweight measuring and reporting means adapted to determine the weight ofeach of said containers and to report the value of said determination.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said reservoir system further comprisesvolume measuring and reporting means adapted to determine the volume ofeach of said containers and to report the value of said determination.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said reservoir system further comprisesat least one image sensor adapted to provide real time images of each ofsaid containers.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said image sensor is selected from agroup consisting of a camera, a video and any combination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said reservoir system further comprisesat least one processing unit in communication with said at least oneimage sensor, adapted for real time image processing of said image suchthat either the volume or the weight of each of said containers isprovided.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said reporting means is incommunication with said control means.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, further comprising support rotation meansadapted to allow rotation of each of said supports about an axisparallel to its longitudinal axis, said support rotation means furtheradapted to allow each of said supports to be fixed at an angle chosen bythe operator of said irrigation system; said angle is adapted to befixed prior to said irrigation, during said irrigation and anycombination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said angle is in a range of about 0degrees to about 90 degrees.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein each of said containers comprises aneck and a nipple, and further wherein said irrigation system furthercomprises at least one connector between said container and said fluidtransfer head, wherein said connector is reversibly coupled to saidirrigation system and comprises:

-   a lower section comprising two arcs, the first of which is of a    diameter and depth adapted to support said neck, and the second of    which is of a diameter and depth adapted to support said nipple, the    distance between the centers of said arcs substantially equal to the    distance between the centers of said neck and said nipple; and,-   an upper section hingedly connected to said lower section, said    upper section comprising two arcs of diameters substantially    identical to those of the corresponding arcs of said lower section,    said two arcs disposed such that closure of said hinged connection    forms at least one circular hollow passageway passing through said    connector.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, additionally comprising means adapted to fixsaid containers in place, to verify said containers are in place and anycombination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said fluid transfer system furthercomprises fluid transfer head support means adapted to support saidfluid transfer heads; said fluid transfer head support means adapted toallow vertical motion, radial motion and any combination thereof of atleast one of said fluid transfer heads.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein each of said fluid transfer headscomprises:

-   a spike;-   flexible tubing in fluid contact with said spike;-   ejecting and retracting means for ejecting at least one of said    spike and said fluid transfer head a predetermined minimum distance    along the horizontal axis from a resting position to an ejected    position and for retracting said at least one of said spike and said    fluid transfer head from said ejected position to said resting    position.-   height fixing means adapted to fix the vertical position of said    fluid transfer head.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said flexible tubing further comprisesat least one internal reservoir for accommodating said fluid and fordelivering said fluid while said fluid transfer head linearly movesalong said main longitudinal axis.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said flexible tubing further comprisesat least one internal reservoir for accommodating said fluid and fordelivering said fluid while said fluid transfer head radially movesaround said main longitudinal axis.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, additionally comprising height fixing meansadapted to fix the vertical position of said fluid transfer head orheads along said main longitudinal axis of said reservoir system.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein at least one of said fluid transferheads further comprises an actuator in mechanical contact with saidfluid transfer head support means and in electronic connection with saidcontrol means, said actuator adapted to engage with said fluid transferhead support means, whereby actuation of said actuator by a command fromsaid control means causes vertical motion of said fluid transfer headalong the vertical axis of said fluid transfer support means through adistance determined by said control means.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said actuator comprises at least oneselected from a group consisting of stepper motor, voice commandactuator, motion detector and any combination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said fluid regulating means comprises:

-   pressure applying means mounted proximate to said flexible tubing in    fluid contact with said spike; and,-   extending and retracting means in mechanical contact with said    pressure applying means, said extending and retracting means adapted    to reversibly extend said pressure applying means.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said fluid regulating means is adaptedto activate or de-activate fluid flow in said irrigation system.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said extending and retracting meanscomprise a retractable spring.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said extending and retracting means areactuated by a means chosen from the group consisting of manual,mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, electromechanical, electropneumaticand any combination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said fluid regulating means comprisesat least one selected from a group consisting of a pinch valve, awheel-like shaped element adapted to apply pressure, and any combinationthereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said pumping system comprises aperistaltic pump.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said pumping system comprises a singleinlet, and further wherein at least two of said containers are in fluidconnection with said single inlet.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein two of said containers are in fluidconnection with a “Y” joint located downstream of said fluid transferheads.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said control system comprises acomputer in communication with at least one of said reservoir system,said fluid transfer system, and said pumping system, and further whereinsaid control system is adapted to direct the flow of fluid through saidsystem.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, further comprising:

-   at least one additional container in fluid connection with said    pumping means;-   means for opening and closing said fluid connection; and,-   a rack adapted to hang said additional containers.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, further comprising an emergency shutoff switchadapted to halt flow of fluid through said irrigation system.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said control system is adapted toprevent over pressure of said fluid in said irrigation system.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said over pressure is prevented bymeans of at least one pressure sensor located in said pumping system.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said over pressure is prevented bymeans of at least one pressure sensor in communication with said outertubing system.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said over pressure is prevented bymeans of at least one pressure sensor located within said outer tubingsystem.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said over pressure is prevented bymeans of at least one pressure sensor surrounding at least a portion ofsaid outer tubing system.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said over pressure is prevented bymeans of limiting the pumping system to predetermined values.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, further including removing means for removing aprotective cover or cap from said container.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, additionally comprising an automatic collectingmeans adapted to collect said cover or cap from said irrigation system.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said removing means comprise cuttingmeans and actuating means adapted to actuate said cutting means.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said removing means comprise pressureapplying means, adapted to apply pressure on said cover or cap by atleast one of a group consisting of pulling, pushing and twisting saidcover or cap.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a method forproviding a substantially continuous and controlled flow of a fluid froma reservoir that comprises plurality of N containers, each of said Ncontainers at a predetermined height and location, wherein said methodcomprises:

-   a. obtaining fluid extracting means;-   b. obtaining at least two fluid transfer heads, each of said fluid    transfer heads comprising:-   a spike;-   flexible tubing in fluid contact with said spike;-   ejecting and retracting means for ejecting at least one of said    spike and said fluid transfer head a predetermined minimum distance    from a resting position to an ejected position and for retracting    said at least one of said spike and said fluid transfer head from    said ejected position to said resting position;-   a fluid exit in fluid contact with said flexible tubing; and,-   height fixing means adapted to fix the vertical position of said    fluid transfer head; c. placing a first fluid transfer head    proximate to a first container;-   d. placing a second fluid transfer head proximate to a second    container from which pumping has not yet commenced;-   e. connecting the fluid exits of said fluid transfer heads to a    single outlet, and to said pumping means;-   f. fixing the height of said second fluid transfer head to the    height of said second container, such that upon ejection of the    spike, the wall of said second container will be pierced;-   g. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from    said first fluid transfer head;-   h. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from    said second fluid transfer head;-   i. removing protective cover of said first container;-   j. ejecting said spike of said first fluid transfer head, thereby    creating a fluid connection between the interior of said first    container and said single outlet;-   k. removing protective cover of the second container;-   l. ejecting said spike of said second fluid transfer head, thereby    creating a fluid connection between the interior of said second    container and said single outlet; m. using said fluid regulating    means to permit flow of fluid from said first fluid transfer head;-   n. actuating said pumping means;-   o. extracting said fluid from said first container until the fluid    level in said first container is reduced to a predetermined    quantity;-   p. using said fluid regulating means to permit flow of fluid from    said second fluid transfer head;-   q. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from    said first fluid transfer head;-   r. extracting said fluid from said second container until the fluid    level in said second container is reduced to a predetermined    quantity;-   s. using said fluid regulating means to permit flow of fluid from    said first fluid transfer head;-   t. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from    said second fluid transfer head;-   u. retracting said spike into said second fluid transfer head;-   v. placing said second fluid transfer head proximate to another    available container; w. fixing the height of said second fluid    transfer head to the height of said said another container, such    that upon ejection of the spike, the wall of said another container    will be pierced;-   x. removing protective cover of said another container;-   y. ejecting said spike of said second fluid transfer head, thereby    creating a fluid connection between the interior of said another    container and said single outlet; z. using said fluid regulating    means to permit flow of fluid from said second fluid transfer head;-   za. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from    said first fluid transfer head;-   zb. extracting said fluid from said another container until the    fluid level in said another container is reduced to a predetermined    quantity;-   repeating sequentially, for each of the remaining containers, said    steps of s-zb

It is another object of the present invention to provide a method forproviding a substantially continuous and controlled flow of a fluid froma reservoir that comprises plurality of N containers, each of said Ncontainers at a predetermined height and location, wherein said methodcomprises:

-   a. obtaining fluid extracting means;-   b. obtaining at least two fluid transfer heads, each of said fluid    transfer heads comprising:-   a spike;-   flexible tubing in fluid contact with said spike;-   ejecting and retracting means for ejecting at least one of said    spike and said fluid transfer head a predetermined minimum distance    from a resting position to an ejected position and for retracting    said at least one of said spike and said fluid transfer head from    said ejected position to said resting position; a fluid exit in    fluid contact with said flexible tubing; and,-   height fixing means adapted to fix the vertical position of said    fluid transfer head; c. placing a first fluid transfer head    proximate to a first container;-   d. placing a second fluid transfer head proximate to a second    container from which pumping has not yet commenced;-   e. connecting the fluid exits of said fluid transfer heads to a    single outlet;-   f. fixing the height of said second fluid transfer head to the    height of said second container, such that upon ejection of the    spike, the wall of said second container will be pierced;-   g. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from    said first fluid transfer head;-   h. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from    said second fluid transfer head;-   i. removing protective cover of said first container;-   j. ejecting said spike of said first fluid transfer head, thereby    creating a fluid connection between the interior of said first    container and said single outlet;-   k. removing protective cover of the second container;-   l. ejecting said spike of said second fluid transfer head, thereby    creating a fluid connection between the interior of said second    container and said single outlet; m. applying pressure on said first    container so as to extract fluid from the same;-   n. using said fluid regulating means to permit flow of fluid from    said first fluid transfer head;-   o. extracting said fluid from said first container until the fluid    level in said first container is reduced to a predetermined    quantity;-   p. applying pressure on said second container so as to extract fluid    from the same;-   q. using said fluid regulating means to permit flow of fluid from    said second fluid transfer head;-   r. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from    said first fluid transfer head;-   s. discontinuing applying pressure on said first container-   t. extracting said fluid from said second container until the fluid    level in said second container is reduced to a predetermined    quantity;-   u. applying pressure on said first container so as to extract fluid    from the same;-   v. using said fluid regulating means to permit flow of fluid from    said first fluid transfer head;-   w. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from    said second fluid transfer head;-   x. discontinuing applying pressure on said second container y.    retracting said spike into said second fluid transfer head;-   z. placing said second fluid transfer head proximate to another    available container; za. fixing the height of said second fluid    transfer head to the height of said said another container, such    that upon ejection of the spike, the wall of said another container    will be pierced;-   zb. removing protective cover of said another container;-   zc. ejecting said spike of said second fluid transfer head, thereby    creating a fluid connection between the interior of said another    container and said single outlet; zd. applying pressure on said    another container so as to extract fluid from the same; ze. using    said fluid regulating means to permit flow of fluid from said second    fluid transfer head;-   zf. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from    said first fluid transfer head;-   zg. discontinuing applying pressure on said first container-   zh. extracting said fluid from said another container until the    fluid level in said another container is reduced to a predetermined    quantity;-   repeating sequentially, for each of the remaining containers, said    steps of u-zh

It is another object of the present invention to provide a method forproviding a substantially continuous and controlled flow of a fluid froma reservoir that comprises plurality of N containers, each of said Ncontainers at a predetermined height and location, wherein said methodcomprises:

-   a. obtaining fluid extracting means;-   b. obtaining at least two fluid transfer heads, each of said fluid    transfer heads comprising:-   a spike;-   flexible tubing in fluid contact with said spike;-   ejecting and retracting means for ejecting at least one of said    spike and said fluid transfer head a predetermined minimum distance    from a resting position to an ejected position and for retracting    said at least one of said spike and said fluid transfer head from    said ejected position to said resting position;-   a fluid exit in fluid contact with said flexible tubing; and,-   height fixing means adapted to fix the vertical position of said    fluid transfer head; c. placing a first fluid transfer head    proximate to a first container from which pumping has not yet    commenced;-   d. placing a second fluid transfer head proximate to a second    container from which pumping has not yet commenced;-   e. connecting the fluid exits of said fluid transfer heads to a    single outlet, and to said pumping means;-   f. fixing the height of said first fluid transfer head to the height    of said first container, such that upon ejection of the spike, the    wall of said first container will be pierced; g. fixing the height    of said second fluid transfer head to the height of said second    container, such that upon ejection of the spike, the wall of said    second container will be pierced;-   h. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from    said first fluid transfer head;-   i. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from    said second fluid transfer head;-   j. removing protective cover of said first container;-   k. ejecting said spike of said first fluid transfer head, thereby    creating a fluid connection between the interior of said first    container and said single outlet;-   l. removing protective cover of the second container;-   m. ejecting said spike of said second fluid transfer head, thereby    creating a fluid connection between the interior of said second    container and said single outlet; n. using said fluid regulating    means to permit flow of fluid from said first fluid transfer head;-   o. actuating said pumping means;-   p. extracting said fluid from said first container until the fluid    level in said first container is reduced to a predetermined    quantity;-   q. using said fluid regulating means to permit flow of fluid from    said second fluid transfer head;-   r. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from    said first fluid transfer head;-   s. extracting said fluid from said second container until the fluid    level in said second container is reduced to a predetermined    quantity;-   t. retracting said spike into said first fluid transfer head;-   u. placing said first fluid transfer head proximate to another    available container;-   v. fixing the height of said first fluid transfer head to the height    of said said another container, such that upon ejection of the    spike, the wall of said another container will be pierced;-   w. removing protective cover of said another container;-   x. ejecting said spike of said first fluid transfer head, thereby    creating a fluid connection between the interior of said another    container and said single outlet;-   y. using said fluid regulating means to permit flow of fluid from    said first fluid transfer head;-   z. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from    said second fluid transfer head;-   za. extracting said fluid from said another container until the    fluid level in said another container is reduced to a predetermined    quantity-   zb. retracting said spike into said second fluid transfer head;-   zc. placing said second fluid transfer head proximate to another    available container; zd. fixing the height of said second fluid    transfer head to the height of said said another container, such    that upon ejection of the spike, the wall of said another container    will be pierced;-   ze. removing protective cover of said another container;-   zf. ejecting said spike of said second fluid transfer head, thereby    creating a fluid connection between the interior of said another    container and said single outlet; zg. using said fluid regulating    means to permit flow of fluid from said second fluid transfer head;-   zh. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from    said first fluid transfer head;-   zi. extracting said fluid from said another container until the    fluid level in said another container is reduced to a predetermined    quantity-   repeating sequentially, for each of the remaining available    containers and respective fluid transfer head, said steps of t-zi.

It is another object of the present invention to a method for providinga substantially continuous and controlled flow of a fluid from areservoir that comprises plurality of N containers, each of said Ncontainers at a predetermined height and location, wherein said methodcomprises:

-   a. obtaining fluid extracting means;-   b. obtaining at least two fluid transfer heads, each of said fluid    transfer heads comprising:-   a spike;-   flexible tubing in fluid contact with said spike;-   ejecting and retracting means for ejecting at least one of said    spike and said fluid transfer head a predetermined minimum distance    from a resting position to an ejected position and for retracting    said at least one of said spike and said fluid transfer head from    said ejected position to said resting position;-   a fluid exit in fluid contact with said flexible tubing; and,-   height fixing means adapted to fix the vertical position of said    fluid transfer head; c. placing a first fluid transfer head    proximate to a first container from which pumping has not yet    commenced;-   d. placing a second fluid transfer head proximate to a second    container from which pumping has not yet commenced;-   e. connecting the fluid exits of said fluid transfer heads to a    single outlet;-   f. fixing the height of said first fluid transfer head to the height    of said first container, such that upon ejection of the spike, the    wall of said first container will be pierced; g. fixing the height    of said second fluid transfer head to the height of said second    container, such that upon ejection of the spike, the wall of said    second container will be pierced;-   h. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from    said first fluid transfer head;-   i. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from    said second fluid transfer head;-   j. removing protective cover of said first container;-   k. ejecting said spike of said first fluid transfer head, thereby    creating a fluid connection between the interior of said first    container and said single outlet;-   l. removing protective cover of the second container;-   m. ejecting said spike of said second fluid transfer head, thereby    creating a fluid connection between the interior of said second    container and said single outlet; n. applying pressure on said first    container so as to extract fluid from the same;-   o. using said fluid regulating means to permit flow of fluid from    said first fluid transfer head;-   p. extracting said fluid from said first container until the fluid    level in said first container is reduced to a predetermined    quantity;-   q. applying pressure on said second container so as to extract fluid    from the same; r. using said fluid regulating means to permit flow    of fluid from said second fluid transfer head;-   s. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from    said first fluid transfer head;-   t. discontinuing applying pressure on said first container-   u. extracting said fluid from said second container until the fluid    level in said second container is reduced to a predetermined    quantity;-   v. retracting said spike into said first fluid transfer head;-   w. placing said first fluid transfer head proximate to another    available container;-   x. fixing the height of said first fluid transfer head to the height    of said said another container, such that upon ejection of the    spike, the wall of said another container will be pierced;-   y. removing protective cover of said another container;-   z. ejecting said spike of said first fluid transfer head, thereby    creating a fluid connection between the interior of said another    container and said single outlet;-   za. applying pressure on said another container so as to extract    fluid from the same; zb. using said fluid regulating means to permit    flow of fluid from said first fluid transfer head;-   zc. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from    said second fluid transfer head;-   zd. discontinuing applying pressure on said second container-   ze. extracting said fluid from said another container until the    fluid level in said another container is reduced to a predetermined    quantity;-   zf. retracting said spike into said second fluid transfer head;-   zg. placing said second fluid transfer head proximate to another    available container; zh. fixing the height of said second fluid    transfer head to the height of said said another container, such    that upon ejection of the spike, the wall of said another container    will be pierced;-   zi. removing protective cover of said another container;-   zg. ejecting said spike of said second fluid transfer head, thereby    creating a fluid connection between the interior of said another    container and said single outlet; zk. applying pressure on said    another container so as to extract fluid from the same; zl. using    said fluid regulating means to permit flow of fluid from said second    fluid transfer head;-   zm. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from    said first fluid transfer head;-   zn. discontinuing applying pressure on said another container from    first fluid transfer head;-   zo. extracting said fluid from said another container until the    fluid level in said another container is reduced to a predetermined    quantity-   repeating sequentially, for each of the remaining available    containers and respective fluid transfer head, said steps of t-zo.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a method forproviding a substantially continuous and controlled flow of a fluid froma reservoir that comprises plurality of N containers, each of said Ncontainers at a predetermined height and location, wherein said methodcomprises:

-   a. obtaining fluid extracting means;-   b. obtaining one fluid transfer head, said fluid transfer head    comprising:-   a spike;-   flexible tubing in fluid contact with said spike with internal    reservoir;-   ejecting and retracting means for ejecting at least one of said    spike and said fluid transfer head a predetermined minimum distance    from a resting position to an ejected position and for retracting    said at least one of said spike and said fluid transfer head from    said ejected position to said resting position; a fluid exit in    fluid contact with said flexible tubing; and,-   height fixing means adapted to fix the vertical position of said    fluid transfer head; internal reservoir for accommodating said fluid    and for delivering said fluid; c. placing said fluid transfer head    proximate to a first container from which pumping has not yet    commenced;-   d. connecting the fluid exits of said fluid transfer heads to said    pumping means;-   e. fixing the height of said fluid transfer head to the height of    said first container, such that upon ejection of the spike, the wall    of said first container will be pierced; f. using said fluid    regulating means to block flow of fluid from said fluid transfer    head; g. removing protective cover of said first container;-   h. ejecting said spike of said fluid transfer head, thereby creating    a fluid connection between the interior of said first container and    said single outlet;-   i. using said fluid regulating means to permit flow of fluid from    said fluid transfer head;-   j. actuating said pumping means;-   k. filling said internal reservoir with said fluid;-   l. extracting said fluid from said first container until the fluid    level in said first container is reduced to a predetermined    quantity;-   m. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from    said fluid transfer head;-   n. extracting said fluid from the said internal reservoir;-   o. retracting said spike into said fluid transfer head;-   p. placing said fluid transfer head proximate to another available    container;-   q. fixing the height of said fluid transfer head to the height of    said said another container, such that upon ejection of the spike,    the wall of said another container will be pierced;-   r. removing protective cover of said another container;-   s. ejecting said spike of said fluid transfer head, thereby creating    a fluid connection between the interior of said another container    and said single outlet;-   t. using said fluid regulating means to permit flow of fluid from    said another fluid transfer head;-   u. filling said internal reservoir with said fluid;-   v. extracting said fluid from said container until the fluid level    in said another container is reduced to a predetermined quantity;-   repeating sequentially, for each of the remaining available    containers, said steps of m-v.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a method forproviding a substantially continuous and controlled flow of a fluid froma reservoir that comprises plurality of N containers, each of said Ncontainers at a predetermined height and location, wherein said methodcomprises:

-   a. obtaining fluid extracting means;-   b. obtaining one fluid transfer head, said fluid transfer head    comprising:-   a spike;-   flexible tubing in fluid contact with said spike with internal    reservoir; ejecting and retracting means for ejecting at least one    of said spike and said fluid transfer head a predetermined minimum    distance from a resting position to an ejected position and for    retracting said at least one of said spike and said fluid transfer    head from said ejected position to said resting position;-   a fluid exit in fluid contact with said flexible tubing; and,-   height fixing means adapted to fix the vertical position of said    fluid transfer head; internal reservoir for accommodating said fluid    and for delivering said fluid; c. placing said fluid transfer head    proximate to a first container from which pumping has not yet    commenced;-   d. fixing the height of said fluid transfer head to the height of    said first container, such that upon ejection of the spike, the wall    of said first container will be pierced;-   e. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from    said fluid transfer head;-   f. removing protective cover of said first container;-   g. ejecting said spike of said fluid transfer head, thereby creating    a fluid connection between the interior of said first container and    said single outlet;-   h. applying pressure on said first container so as to extract fluid    from the same;-   i. using said fluid regulating means to permit flow of fluid from    said fluid transfer head;-   j. filling said internal reservoir with said fluid;-   k. extracting said fluid from said first container until the fluid    level in said first container is reduced to a predetermined    quantity;-   l. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from    said fluid transfer head;-   m. discontinuing applying pressure on said first container from    first fluid transfer head;-   n. extracting said fluid from the said internal reservoir;-   o. retracting said spike into said fluid transfer head;-   p. placing said fluid transfer head proximate to another available    container;-   q. fixing the height of said fluid transfer head to the height of    said said another container, such that upon ejection of the spike,    the wall of said another container will be pierced;-   r. removing protective cover of said another container;-   s. ejecting said spike of said fluid transfer head, thereby creating    a fluid connection between the interior of said another container    and said single outlet;-   t. applying pressure on said another container so as to extract    fluid from the same; u using said fluid regulating means to permit    flow of fluid from said another fluid transfer head;-   v. filling said internal reservoir with said fluid;-   w. extracting said fluid from said container until the fluid level    in said another container is reduced to a predetermined quantity;-   repeating sequentially, for each of the remaining available    containers, said steps of l-w.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, additionally comprising step of removing at least one ofthe container's caps. (As written, it implies that each container has atleast one cap, and may have more. If “containers' cap” it means one capon each of several containers. If “containers' caps”, it means more thanone cap on more than one container.)

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, additionally comprising step of extracting said fluidsimultaneously from both of said containers.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said system additionally comprising step ofextracting said fluid simultaneously from both of said containers eachof which has different rate of flow or different pressure.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said fluid extracting means are selected from agroup consisting of pumping means for withdrawing fluid out of saidcontainer; pressure applying means adapted to apply pressure on saidcontainer such that fluid is extracted from the same; and anycombination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said step of extracting said fluid comprises oneof a group consisting of (a) pumping said fluid from said containers;(b) applying pressure on said container such that fluid is extractedfrom the same; and any combination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said pressure applying means are selected from agroup consisting of a membrane encapsulating at least one of saidcontainers of fluid, and squeezing means adapted to apply squeezingpressure on at least one of said containers and any combination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said squeezing means are selected from at leastone of pneumatic, hydrostatic, and compression of at least one of thecontainers.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, further comprising a step of using said fluid regulatingmeans to block flow of fluid from said first container at any time thatflow is permitted from another container.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, further comprising a step of determining the weight ofeach of said of said containers in order to determine the amount offluid within.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, further comprising a step of notifying the user upon theoccurrence of at least one condition chosen from the group consisting of(a) the beginning of pumping of fluid from the Nth of said N containers;(b) a failure of a predetermined component; (c) a drop in the rate offlow of fluid below a predetermined threshold; (d) a drop in the levelof fluid in a predetermined container of said N containers below apredetermined threshold; (e) time from the beginning of the procedure;(f) number of containers being used; and any combination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, further comprising additional steps of:

-   ejecting said spike of said first fluid transfer head, thereby    creating a fluid connection between said first container and said    outlet; and,-   extracting fluid from said first container until the level of fluid    within said first container drops by a predetermined amount, by    either pumping said fluid or applying pressure on the same so as to    extract fluid;-   wherein said additional steps are performed after the level of fluid    in said other container drops to said predetermined value and before    the commencement of pumping of fluid from the following container.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, further comprising additional steps of:

-   fixing the height of said first fluid transfer head to the height of    another container from which pumping has not yet commenced;-   ejecting said spike of said first fluid transfer head, thereby    creating a fluid connection between the interior of said another    container and said single outlet;-   either pumping fluid or applying pressure on said another container    until the amount of fluid within said drops by a predetermined    amount; and,-   repeating sequentially steps of fixing the height of each fluid    transfer head to the height of a container from which pumping has    not yet commenced, ejecting the spike therefrom, and pumping fluid    from the current container for each of said fluid transfer heads    until the level of fluid within each of said containers has dropped    by a predetermined amount.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, additionally comprising at least one step of (a)controlling the rate of flow of fluid through said irrigation systemaccording to a predetermined protocol; or (b) controlling the movementof said at least one fluid transfer head; (c) controlling the activationof the same; and any combination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, additionally comprising step of withdrawing said fluidfrom at least one of said containers of fluid in a predetermined rate offlow to an outer tubing system.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said containers are disposed in a predeterminedconfiguration.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said predetermined configuration is selected froma group consisting of linear shape, radial shape, ellipsoidal shape,square shape, triangular shape, hexagonal shape, pentagonal shape, any2D shape, any 3D shape and any combination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, additionally comprising step of regulating either therate of transfer of fluid from said reservoir system to each of saidfluid transfer heads or the pressure at which said fluid is transferredfrom said reservoir system to each of said fluid transfer heads.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, additionally comprising at least one step of (a)controlling the rate of flow of fluid through said irrigation systemaccording to a predetermined protocol; or (b) controlling the movementof said at least one fluid transfer head; (c) controlling the activationof the same; and any combination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, additionally comprising step of selecting said fluid froma group consisting of gas, liquid and any combination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, additionally comprising step of selecting said fluid fromoxygen; oxygen; anesthetic gas for use as local anesthesia, regionalanesthesia and general anesthesia selected from ethers, halogenatedethers, desflurane (2,2,2-trifluoro-1-fluoroethyl-difluoromethyl ether,sevoflurane (2,2,2-trifluoro-1-[trifluoromethyl]ethyl fluoromethylether), and isoflurane(2-chloro-2-(difluoromethoxy)-1,1,1-trifluoro-ethane); blood; saline;glycine; water; plasma; medicament and any combination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, additionally comprising step of delivering severalsubstantially different fluids.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, additionally comprising step of providing saidsubstantially different fluids to said patient in substantially the sameamounts, different amounts, substantially the same rates, differentrates, and any combination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, additionally comprising step of providing said reservoirsystem with:

-   a plurality of N support shelves adapted to support each of said    containers of said fluid; support means adapted to support said    shelves and to maintain a predetermined distance and orientation    between each pair of shelves; and,-   a plurality of at least N slots in said shelf support means, said    slots positioned such that at least one slot is located proximate to    each of said N shelves.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said support is selected from a group consistingof shelf, drawer, receptacle, sliding receptacle and any combinationthereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, additionally comprising step of providing said containersas bags made of a flexible material.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, additionally comprising step of providing said containersas bags made of a rigid material.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said rigid material is plastic bottles, ceramicbottles, metal bottles, and any combination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, additionally comprising step of constantly monitoring theamount of fluid extracted from said reservoir system and of reportingthe value of said determination.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, additionally comprising step of providing said irrigationsystem with weight measuring and reporting means adapted to determinethe weight of each of said containers and to report the value of saiddetermination.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, additionally comprising step of providing said irrigationsystem with volume measuring and reporting means adapted to determinethe volume of each of said containers and to report the value of saiddetermination.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, additionally comprising step of providing said irrigationsystem with at least one image sensor adapted to provide real timeimages of each of said containers.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, additionally comprising step of selecting said imagesensor from a group consisting of a camera, a video and any combinationthereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, additionally comprising step of providing said irrigationsystem with at least one processing unit in communication with said atleast one image sensor, adapted for real time image processing of saidimage such that either the volume or the weight of each of saidcontainers is provided.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, additionally comprising step of allowing rotation of eachof said supports about an axis parallel to its longitudinal axis, saidsupport rotation means further adapted to allow each of said supports tobe fixed at an angle chosen by the operator of said irrigation system.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, additionally comprising step of selecting said angle isin a range of about 0 degrees to about 90 degrees.

it is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, additionally comprising step of providing each of saidcontainers comprises a neck and a nipple, and further wherein saidirrigation system further comprises at least one connector between saidcontainer and said fluid transfer head, wherein said connector isreversibly coupled to said irrigation system and comprises:

-   a lower section comprising two arcs, the first of which is of a    diameter and depth adapted to support said neck, and the second of    which is of a diameter and depth adapted to support said nipple, the    distance between the centers of said arcs substantially equal to the    distance between the centers of said neck and said nipple; and,-   an upper section hingedly connected to said lower section, said    upper section comprising two arcs of diameters substantially    identical to those of the corresponding arcs of said lower section,    said two arcs disposed such that closure of said hinged connection    forms at least one circular hollow passageway passing through said    connector.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, additionally comprising means adapted to fix saidcontainers in place, to verify said containers are in place and anycombination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, additionally comprising step of providing said fluidtransfer system with:

-   fluid transfer head support means adapted to support said fluid    transfer heads, said fluid transfer head support means adapted to    allow vertical motion, radial motion and any combination thereof of    at least one of said fluid transfer heads.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, additionally comprising step of providing each of saidfluid transfer heads with:

-   a spike;-   flexible tubing in fluid contact with said spike;-   ejecting and retracting means for ejecting at least one of said    spike and said fluid transfer head a predetermined minimum distance    along the horizontal axis from a resting position to an ejected    position and for retracting said at least one of said spike and said    fluid transfer head from said ejected position to said resting    position, height fixing means adapted to fix the vertical position    of said fluid transfer head.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said flexible tubing further comprisesat least one internal reservoir for accommodating said fluid and fordelivering said fluid while said fluid transfer head linearly movesalong said main longitudinal axis.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said flexible tubing further comprisesat least one internal reservoir for accommodating said fluid and fordelivering said fluid while said fluid transfer head radially movesaround said main longitudinal axis.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, additionally comprising step of height fixing thevertical position of said fluid transfer head along said mainlongitudinal axis of said reservoir system.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, additionally comprising step of providing at least one ofsaid fluid transfer heads with an actuator in mechanical contact withsaid fluid transfer head support means and in electronic connection withsaid control means, said actuator adapted to engage with said fluidtransfer head support means, whereby actuation of said actuator by acommand from said control means causes vertical motion of said fluidtransfer head along the vertical axis of said fluid transfer supportmeans through a distance determined by said control means.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, additionally comprising step of selecting said actuatorfrom a group consisting of stepper motor, voice command actuator, motiondetector and any combination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, additionally comprising step of providing said fluidregulating means with:

-   pressure applying means mounted proximate to said flexible tubing in    fluid contact with said spike; and,-   extending and retracting means in mechanical contact with said    pressure applying means, said extending and retracting means adapted    to reversibly extend said pressure applying means.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said extending and retracting means comprise aretractable spring.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said extending and retracting means are actuatedby a means chosen from the group consisting of manual, mechanical,electrical, pneumatic, electromechanical, electropneumatic and anycombination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said fluid regulating means comprises at leastone selected from a group consisting of a pinch valve, a wheel-likeshaped element adapted to apply pressure, and any combination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, additionally comprising step of selecting said pumpingsystem to comprise a peristaltic pump.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said pumping system comprises a single inlet, andfurther wherein at least two of said containers are in fluid connectionwith said single inlet.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein two of said containers are in fluid connectionwith a “Y” joint located downstream of said fluid transfer heads.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, additionally comprising step of providing said irrigationsystem with: at least one additional container in fluid connection withsaid pumping means;

-   means for opening and closing said fluid connection; and,-   a rack adapted to hang said additional containers.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, additionally comprising step of providing said irrigationsystem with an emergency shutoff switch adapted to halt flow of fluidthrough said irrigation system.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, additionally comprising step of preventing over pressureof said fluid in said irrigation system.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said over pressure is prevented by means of atleast one pressure sensor located in said pumping system.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said over pressure is prevented by means of atleast one pressure sensor in communication with said outer tubingsystem.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said over pressure is prevented by means of atleast one pressure sensor located within said outer tubing system.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said over pressure is prevented by means ofpre-setting the maximum pressure to which said pump can reach.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said over pressure is prevented bymeans of at least one pressure sensor surrounding at least a portion ofsaid outer tubing system.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigationsystem as defined above, wherein said over pressure is prevented bymeans of limiting the pumping system to predetermined values.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, additionally comprising step of providing said irrigationsystem with removing means for removing a protective cover or cap fromsaid container.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, additionally comprising step of providing said irrigationsystem with an automatic collecting means adapted to collect said coveror cap from said irrigation system.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said removing means comprises cutting means andactuating means adapted to actuate said cutting means.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said removing means comprise pressure applyingmeans, adapted to apply pressure on said cover or cap by at least one ofa group consisting of pulling, pushing and twisting said cover or cap.

According to another embodiment a substantially continuous flow of fluidis provide. In the above disclosure, a reservoir of fluid is provided.According to another embodiment of the present invention, the at leastone spike is maneuvered from one container to the other, without havingany reservoir container supporting said fluid to the patient in theintermediate time (when the spike has been extracted from one containerto the time the spike has penetrated/ejected a second container).

Alternatively there can be several spikes being maneuvered from onecontainer to the other; such that when one container is being emptiedfrom fluid, the spike is maneuver to a second container.

The use of the invention is now further illustrated by a series ofnon-limiting examples, which give specific protocols for the use of theinvention to provide a constant automatic flow of fluid from thereservoir system to the point of use. One skilled in the art willrecognize that the general principles of the protocols illustrated canbe extended to numbers of containers and fluid transfer heads other thanthose specifically given in the examples. Hence, these examples aregiven solely to illustrate the general principles of the use of theapparatus, and all other combinations of components that rely on theseprinciples are envisioned by the inventor as being within the scope ofthe invention.

Example 1

One embodiment of a typical protocol for a system comprising threecontainers, labeled “Bag 1,” “Bag 2,” and “Bag 3,” respectively, and atleast two fluid transfer heads, labeled “Head 1” and “Head 2,”respectively, is herein described. The procedure begins (Step 0) withthe needle from Head 1 being inserted into bag 1, and the pinch valveclosed (i.e. the flow regulating means is set to prevent flow of fluid).In Step 1, the pinch valve is retracted, and fluid pumped from Bag 1until the fluid level in the bag is lowered to a predetermined amount(typically between 0 and 50% of its initial volume). At this point (Step2), the needle from Head 2 is inserted into Bag 2, the pinch valve fromHead 2 opened and the pinch valve from Head 1 closed, stopping flow fromBag 1 and beginning flow from Bag 2. Step 3 of the protocol occurs whenthe amount of fluid in Bag 2 decreases to a predetermined fraction ofits original amount. At this point, the pinch valve from Head 1 isreopened and the pinch valve from Head 2 is closed restoring flow fromBag 1, and the needle from Head 2 is retracted. Head 2 is then moved sothat it is proximate to Bag 3, while flow continues from Bag 1, loweringthe fluid content therein by a nominal amount during the transfer ofHead 2 to Bag 3. At this point (Step 4), the needle from Head 2 isinserted into Bag 3 and the pinch valve opened, while the pinch valvefrom Head 1 is closed, so that flow commences from Bag 3 while beingstopped from Bag 1. Finally (Step 5), when the amount of fluid in Bag 3drops to a predetermined amount, the pinch valve from Head 2 is closed,the pinch valve from Head 1 reopened, and flow restored from Bag 1. Bag1 can be emptied entirely, or Bags 2 and 3 can be replaced with fullcontainers and the process started anew; Bag 1 can be replaced at anytime while flow is occurring from one of the other containers.

This protocol is summarized in Table 1 for the case in which Bags 2 and3 are substantially completely emptied during the protocol, and thenominal drop in the fluid level in Bag 1 during the transfer of the Head2 from container to container is defined as “5.”

TABLE 1 % Contents of Bag in Head 1 Head 2 the end of the process StepNeedle Pinch valve Needle Pinch valve BAG 1 BAG 2 BAG 3 0 IN Bag 1Pressing OUT Pressing 100% 100%  100% 1 IN Bag 1 Retracted OUT Pressing50-0% 100%  100% 2 IN Bag 1 Pressing IN Bag 2 Retracted 50-0% 100-0%100% 3 IN Bag 1 Retracted OUT Pressing (50-5)% 0% 100% 4 IN Bag 1Pressing IN Bag 3 Retracted (50-5)% 0% 100-0% 5 IN Bag 1 Retracted INBag 3 Pressing (50-5)-0% 0%  0%

Example 2

The basic principle of the protocol presented in this example isidentical to that of the previous example except that four containersare used instead of three. The steps in the protocol are summarized inTable 2.

TABLE 2 % Contents of Bag in the Head 1 Head 2 end of the process StepNeedle Pinch valve Needle Pinch valve BAG 1 BAG 2 BAG 3 BAG 4 0 IN Bag 1Pressing OUT Pressing 100% 100%  100% 100% 1 IN Bag 1 Retracted OUTPressing  0-50% 100%  100% 100% 2 IN Bag 1 Pressing IN Bag 2 Retracted 0-50% 100-0% 100% 100% 3 IN Bag 1 Retracted OUT Pressing (50-5)%  0%100% 100% 4 IN Bag 1 Pressing IN Bag 3 Retracted (50-5)%  0% 0-100% 100%5 IN Bag 1 Retracted OUT Pressing (50-n5)% 0%  0% 100% 6 IN Bag 1Pressing IN Bag 4 Retracted (50-n5)% 0%  0% 0-100% 7 IN Bag 1 RetractedOUT Pressing (50-5)-0% 0%  0%  0%

It will be clear to one skilled in the art that the protocol can beperformed for any number of containers and for any arbitrary value ofthe predetermined fluid drop necessary to advance the protocol to thesucceeding step.

Example 3

In other embodiment of the invention, both fluid transfer heads aremoved from container to container during the course of its use. In thisexample fluid transfer head 1 can extracted fluid only from bag inshelves no. 1, 2 and 3 if there are bags available there while fluidtransfer head 2 is can only extracted fluid from bag in shelves no. 4, 5and 6 in there are bags available. In this example bags are available inshelves no. 1, 2 and 4. The procedure begins (Step 0) with the needlefrom Head 1 being inserted into bag 1, and the pinch valve closed (i.e.the flow regulating means is set to prevent flow of fluid). In Step 1,the pinch valve is retracted, and fluid pumped from Bag 1 until thefluid level in the bag is lowered to a predetermined amount (typicallybetween 0 and 10% of its initial volume). At this point (Step 2), theneedle from Head 2 is inserted into another container (in the specificcase of this example, Bag 4), the pinch valve from Head 2 opened and thepinch valve from Head 1 closed, thus enabling flow from Bag 4. When thefluid level in Bag 4 drops by a predetermined amount, the needle fromHead 1 is retracted. Head 1 is then moved so that it is proximate to Bag2, while flow continues from Bag 4, lowering the fluid content thereinby a nominal amount during the transfer of Head 1 to Bag 2. At thispoint (Step 3), the needle from Head 1 is inserted into Bag 2 and thepinch valve opened, while the pinch valve from Head 2 is closed, andfluid flow commences from Bag 2. The steps of this protocol aresummarized in Table 3.

TABLE 3 % Contents of Bag in Head 1 Head 2 the end of the process StepNeedle Pinch valve Needle Pinch valve BAG 1 BAG 2 BAG 4 0 IN Bag 1Pressing OUT Pressing 100%  100% 100% 1 IN Bag 1 Retracted OUT Pressing0-10% 100% 100% 2 IN Bag 1 Pressing IN Bag 4 Retracted 0-10% 100% 100-0%3 IN Bag 2 Retracted OUT Pressing 0% 100%  0% 4 OUT 0% 0%  0%

It will be clear to one skilled in the art that this “tandem” protocolwill work equally well for any arbitrary number of containers.

We claim:
 1. An irrigation system for providing a continuous andcontrolled flow of a fluid, wherein said irrigation system comprises: areservoir system comprising a plurality of containers of fluid; and afluid transfer system in fluid connection with said reservoir system,said fluid transfer system comprising at least one fluid transfer head.2. A method for providing a substantially continuous and controlled flowof a fluid from a reservoir, the method comprises: transferring, by atleast one transfer head of an irrigation system, fluid from one of aplurality of containers of the reservoir system to an external tubingsystem; and connecting the flow to an additional fixed container influid connection with said pumping means.